Novel adjuvant compositions

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to adjuvant formulations comprising various combinations of triterpenoids, sterols, immunomodulators, polymers, and Th2 stimulators; methods for making the adjuvant compositions; and the use of the adjuvant formulations in immunogenic and vaccine compositions with different antigens. This invention further relates to the use of the formulations in the treatment of animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to novel adjuvant formulations forenhancing the immune response to antigens for use in immunogenic andvaccine compositions, without producing toxic or undesirable sideeffects in the subject. This invention also relates to methods ofpreparation and use of the adjuvant, immunogenic, and vaccinecompositions.

2. History and Description of Related Art

Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections are wide spread in humans andanimals. Diseases caused by these infectious agents are often resistantto antimicrobial pharmaceutical therapy, leaving no effective means oftreatment. Consequently, a vaccinology approach is increasingly used tocontrol infectious disease. A whole infectious pathogen can be madesuitable for use in a vaccine formulation after chemical inactivation orappropriate genetic manipulation. Alternatively, a protein subunit ofthe pathogen can be expressed in a recombinant expression system andpurified for use in a vaccine formulation. Vaccines can be made moreefficacious by including an appropriate adjuvant in the composition.

There is also an increased interest in using a vaccinology approach fortreating cancer in animals and humans. This therapeutic approach to thetreatment of cancer involves vaccinating cancer patients with a vaccinecomprising a tumor-specific antigen and an adjuvant. However, none ofthe many cancer vaccines of this nature in development has been approvedby regulatory authorities. Vaccines have not been shown to shrinktumors, a standard measure of a cancer drug's effectiveness.

The term ‘adjuvant’ generally refers to any material that increases thehumoral or cellular immune response to an antigen. Adjuvants are used toaccomplish two objectives: They slow the release of antigens from theinjection site, and they stimulate the immune system. Traditionalvaccines are generally composed of a crude preparation of inactivated orkilled or modified live pathogenic microorganisms. The impuritiesassociated with these cultures of pathological microorganisms may act asan adjuvant to enhance the immune response. However, the immunityinvoked by vaccines that use homogeneous preparations of pathologicalmicroorganisms or purified protein subunits as antigens is often poor.The addition of certain exogenous materials such as an adjuvanttherefore becomes necessary. Further, synthetic and subunit vaccines areexpensive to produce. The addition of an adjuvant may permit the use ofa smaller dose of antigen to stimulate a similar immune response,thereby reducing the production cost of the vaccine. Thus, theeffectiveness of some injectable medicinal agents may be significantlyincreased when the agent is combined with an adjuvant.

Many factors must be taken into consideration in the selection of anadjuvant. An adjuvant should cause a relatively slow rate of release andabsorption of the antigen in an efficient manner with minimum toxic,allergenic, irritating, and other undesirable effects to the host. To bedesirable, an adjuvant should be non-viricidal, biodegradable, capableof consistently creating a high level of immunity, capable ofstimulating cross protection, compatible with multiple antigens,efficacious in multiple species, non-toxic, and safe for the host (eg,no injection site reactions). Other desirable characteristics of anadjuvant are that it is capable of micro-dosing, is dose sparing, hasexcellent shelf stability, is amenable to drying, can be made oil-free,can exist as either a solid or a liquid, is isotonic, is easilymanufactured, and is inexpensive to produce. Finally, it is highlydesirable for an adjuvant to be configurable so as to induce either ahumoral or cellular immune response or both, depending on therequirements of the vaccination scenario. However, the number ofadjuvants that can meet the above requirements is limited.

The choice of an adjuvant depends upon the needs for the vaccine,whether it be an increase in the magnitude or function of the antibodyresponse, an increase in cell mediated immune response, an induction ofmucosal immunity, or a reduction in antigen dose. A number of adjuvantshave been proposed, however, none has been shown to be ideally suitedfor all vaccines. The first adjuvant reported in the literature wasFreund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) which contains a water-in-oil emulsionand extracts of mycobacterium. Unfortunately, FCA is poorly toleratedand it can cause uncontrolled inflammation. Since the discovery of FCAover 80 years ago efforts have been made to reduce the unwanted sideeffects of adjuvants.

Some other materials that have been used as adjuvants include metallicoxides (e.g., aluminum hydroxide), alum, inorganic chelates of salts,gelatins, various paraffin-type oils, synthesized resins, alginates,mucoid and polysaccharide compounds, caseinates, and blood-derivedsubstances such as fibrin clots. While these materials are generallyefficacious at stimulating the immune system, none has been found to beentirely satisfactory due to adverse effects in the host (e.g.,production of sterile abcesses, organ damage, carcinogenicity, orallergenic responses) or undesirable pharmaceutical properties (e.g.,rapid dispersion or poor control of dispersion from the injection site,or swelling of the material).

Synthesized oils and petroleum derivatives have been used as adjuvantsbecause they exhibit relatively slow dispersion in the body, but theymay be undesirable as they frequently are broken down into aromatichydrocarbons, which may be carcinogenic. Furthermore, some of thesesubstances have been found to be capable of producing sterile abcessesand may never be completely eliminated by the body. Oils whenappropriately selected and formulated at proper concentrations can berelatively safe and nontoxic.

Saponins obtained from bark of the South American tree Quillajasaponaria have been used as adjuvants for some time. SeeLacaille-Dubois, M and Wagner H. (A review of the biological andpharmacological activities of saponins. Phytomedicine vol 2 pp 363-386.1996). Many of the veterinary vaccines in use today contain Quil A,which is the saponin fraction from the bark of the South American treeQuillaja saponaria molina. Further fractionation of Quil A has yieldedsub-fractions, including QS-7, QS-17, QS-18, and QS-21. (See U.S. Pat.No. 5,057,540)

The use of saponins as adjuvants is associated with a number ofdisadvantages. Saponins are soluble and thus stimulate a non-specificimmune response. The goal of vaccinology, however, is to stimulate atargeted response to a specific antigen or antigens. Saponins have astrong affinity for cholesterol. They form a complex with thecholesterol found in cell membranes causing hemolysis of the cell. Theyhave also been shown to cause necrosis at the injection site and to bedifficult to formulate into particulate structures. When used invaccines containing modified live enveloped viruses, saponins disruptthe viral envelope and thereby inactivate the viral antigens.

To overcome the hemolytic and viricidal properties of Quil A, it hasbeen combined with cholesterol and phospholipids, which form a specificstructure known as an immunostimulatory complex (ISCOM) or ISCOM matrix(ISCOMATRIX). See Ozel M., et. al.; J. Ultrastruc. and Molec. Struc. Re102, 240-248 (1989). ISCOMs, when combined with an antigen, generallyinduce a Th1 cytotoxic T-cell response. However, while greatly reducingthe hemolytic properties of Quil A, combining Quil A with cholesteroldoes not completely eliminate them. Another limitation of ISCOMs is thata protein antigen must have hydrophobic domains large enough to interactwith the ISCOM in order to be incorporated into an ISCOM. A proteinwhich is highly hydrophilic cannot be incorporated into an ISCOM.Finally, ISCOMs can stimulate an undesirable autoimmune reaction in thesubject.

Immunomodulators have been used as adjuvants, with examples includingdimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (hereinafter, “DDA”), andavirdine. DDA is a lipophilic quaternary ammonium compound (amine) withtwo 18 carbon alkyl chains and two methyl groups bound to a positivelycharged quaternary ammonium molecule with a molecular weight of 631. Itsuse as an adjuvant was discovered by Gall, (Immunol. V. 11, p. 369,1966). DDA is reported to stimulate strong cell mediated immuneresponses, and has also been shown to induce humoral immune responses.Many papers have been published showing efficacy of DDA as an adjuvantfor protein antigens, haptens, tumors, viruses, protozoa and bacteria.(See Korsholm, K S., et al., Immunology, vol. 121, pp. 216-226, 2007.)Most studies have been performed in laboratory animals, while only a fewhave been carried out in larger animals such as chickens (See Katz, D.,et al. FEMS Immunol Med. Microbiol. Vol 7(4):303-313, 1993.), pigs, andcattle. DDA is effective in inducing a delayed-type hypersensitivity(DTH) reaction in both laboratory animals and large animals. However, itis poorly soluble in water.

Polymers have also been used as adjuvants, with examples includingdiethyl-aminoethyl (DEAE)-dextran, polyethelyne glycol, and polyacrylicacid (e.g., CARBOPOL®). The polysaccharide DEAE-dextran is known in theart as a very strong adjuvant. However, it has been associated withunacceptable reactogenicity. CARBOPOL® polymers are polymers of acrylicacid cross-linked with polyalkenyl ethers or divinyl glycol. CARBOPOL®has been used in a number of vaccines, but its use as an adjuvant hasnot been proven.

Some adjuvants have been shown to stimulate a Th2 response, withexamples includingN-(2-Deoxy-2-L-leucylamino-b-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-octadecyldodecanoylamidehydroacetate, also known by the trade name Bay R1005® when in itsacetate form, and aluminum. Bay R1005® in combination with purifiedvirus vaccines or subunit vaccines led to increased production ofantibody in virus-challenged mice. Preclinical trials in other animalspecies (pig, sheep, horse) gave comparable results with respect toantibody production. The increase in antibody synthesis induced by BayR1005® is specifically dependent on the antigen and is not the result ofpolyclonal stimulation.

Prior to this invention, no adjuvant formulation possessed the broadrange of desirable characteristics an ideal adjuvant should have. Therehas been an effort to find new adjuvants for vaccines that wouldovercome the deficiencies of conventional ones. In particular, anadjuvant formulation which elicits potent cell-mediated and humoralimmune responses to a wide range of antigens in humans and animals, yetlacks the side effects and formulation difficulties of conventionaladjuvants, is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to novel adjuvant, immunogenic, and vaccinecompositions. In particular, this invention relates to adjuvantformulations comprising Th1 stimulators, immunomodulators, polymers, andTh2 stimulators. This invention also relates to immunogenic and vaccinecompositions comprising such adjuvant formulations and one or moreantigens, as well as methods of preparing the adjuvant and vaccinecompositions.

In one embodiment, the adjuvant compositions comprise a combination of asaponin, a sterol, and a quaternary ammonium compound. In oneembodiment, the adjuvant combination comprises Quil A, cholesterol, andDDA.

In another embodiment, the adjuvant compositions comprise a combinationof a saponin, a sterol, a quaternary ammonium compound, and a polymer.In one embodiment, the adjuvant combination is Quil A, cholesterol, DDA,and polyacrylic acid.

In another embodiment, the adjuvant compositions comprise a combinationof a saponin, a sterol, a quaternary ammonium compound, a polymer, andglycolipid. In one embodiment, the adjuvant combination is Quil A,cholesterol, DDA, polyacrylic acid, and Bay R1005®.

In one embodiment, an immunogenic composition comprising an adjuvantformulation and an immunologically effective amount of an antigen,wherein the adjuvant formulation comprises a saponin, a sterol, aquaternary ammonium compound, and a polymer, is prepared by the processcomprising

-   -   a) preparing a composition of the antigen in a buffer,    -   b) adding the saponin to the composition of step a;    -   c) adding the sterol to the composition of step b;    -   d) adding the quaternary ammonium compound to the composition of        step c,    -   e) adding the polymer to the composition of step d.

In one embodiment of this process, the saponin is Quil A, the sterol ischolesterol, the quaternary ammonium compound is DDA, and the polymer ispolyacrylic acid.

In one embodiment, a vaccine comprising an adjuvant formulation and animmunologically effective amount of an antigen, wherein the adjuvantformulation comprises a saponin, a sterol, a quaternary ammoniumcompound, a polymer, and a glycolipid is prepared by the processcomprising

-   -   a) preparing a composition of the antigen in a buffer,    -   b) adding the saponin to the composition of step a;    -   c) adding the sterol to the composition of step b;    -   d) adding the quaternary ammonium compound to the composition of        step c,    -   e) adding the polymer to the composition of step d, and    -   f) adding the glycolipid to the composition of step e.

In one embodiment of this process, the saponin is Quil A, the sterol ischolesterol, the quaternary ammonium compound is DDA, the polymer ispolyacrylic acid, and the glycolipid is Bay R1005®.

It has been found that the adjuvant compositions reported herein havesurprising and unexpected properties beyond what one would expect fromsuch a combination. It has been surprisingly found that the viricidalproperty of Quil A/cholesterol is eliminated in these adjuvantcompositions. They are suitable as a diluent for lyophilized modifiedlive viral antigens. The adjuvant compositions described herein areconfigurable to elicit an extremely potent immune response directedeither to a cell-mediated immune response, a humoral immune response, orboth. Additionally, injection site reactions can be largely avoided byuse of these adjuvant formulations. The reactogenicity is lower thanthat of several of the individual components that comprise thecombination adjuvants. In addition, these adjuvant formulations providelong-term storage capability.

Applicants have discovered that these novel adjuvant compositions arehighly immunogenic when combined with one or more of a number ofdifferent antigens across a wide range of species. They can be used withone or more viral, bacterial, parasitic, recombinant protein, andsynthetic peptide antigens, and combinations thereof. The novel vaccineadjuvant compositions can be used in therapeutic vaccines to treatcancer.

The present invention therefore provides adjuvant, immunogenic, andvaccine compositions. Additionally provided are methods for themanufacture of the compositions. Also provided is their use in treatingdisease. Also provided is their use in preparing a medicament fortreating a subject against disease, particularly against diseasesdescribed below. Also provided is their use in preparing a medicamentfor preventing or reducing disease in a subject.

Further provided is their use in preparing a medicament for treating afeline against infection caused by feline leukemia virus, for treatingan avian against avian coccidiosis, for treating a bovine againstdiseases caused by Escherichia coli, for treating a bovine againstdiseases caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus, for treating a swineagainst diseases caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumonia, for treating afeline against diseases caused by feline influenza virus, a subjectagainst cancer, for treating a canine against diseases caused by caninecoronavirus, for treating a bovine against diseases caused by bovinerotavirus, and for treating a canine for diseases caused by canineinfluenza virus. Also provided is the use of adjuvants as a markervaccine to aid in the identification of animals that have beenvaccinated. Also provided is the use of CpG to enhance the effects ofthe adjuvants.

The first aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition comprising an adjuvant formulation and an immunologicallyeffective amount of an antigen component, wherein the adjuvantformulation comprises a saponin, a sterol, a quaternary ammoniumcompound, and a polymer.

The second aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition as above, wherein the saponin is present in an amount ofabout 1 μg to about 5,000 μg per dose, the sterol is present in anamount of about 1 μg to about 5,000 μg per dose, the quaternary ammoniumcompound is present in an amount of about 1 μg to about 5,000 μg perdose, and the polymer is present in an amount of about 0.0001% volume tovolume (v/v) to about 75% v/v.

The third aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition as above, wherein the saponin is Quil A or a purifiedfraction thereof, the sterol is cholesterol, the quaternary ammoniumcompound is dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA), and the polymeris polyacrylic acid.

The fourth aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition as above, further comprising a Th2 stimulant.

The fifth aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition as above, wherein the Th2 stimulant is a glycolipid.

The sixth aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition as above, wherein the Th2 stimulant isN-(2-deoxy-2-L-leucylamino-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-octadecyldodecanamideacetate.

The seventh aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition as above, wherein the glycolipid is present in an amount ofabout 0.01 mg to about 10 mg per dose.

The eighth aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition as above, wherein said antigen component comprises aninactivated virus.

The ninth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition as above comprising:

a) preparing a composition of the antigen component in a buffer;

b) adding the saponin to the composition of step a;

c) adding the sterol to the composition of step b;

d) adding the quaternary ammonium compound to the composition of step c;

e) adding the polymer to the composition of step d.

The tenth aspect of the present invention provides: A method as above ofpreparing an immunogenic composition, wherein the saponin is Quil A or apurified fraction thereof, the sterol is cholesterol, the quaternaryammonium compound is DDA, and the polymer is polyacrylic acid.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention provides: A method as aboveof preparing an immunogenic composition, further comprising a step ofhomogenizing the composition of step a and continuing the homogenizationduring each of steps a to d.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention provides: A method as aboveof preparing an immunogenic composition, further comprising a stepcomprising microfluidizing the composition of step d.

The thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides: A method asabove of preparing an immunogenic composition, further comprising a stepf) of adding to the composition of step e, a Th2 stimulant.

The fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the thirteenth aspect,wherein the Th2 stimulant is a glycolipid.

The fifteenth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the thirteenth aspect,wherein the Th2 stimulant isN-(2-deoxy-2-L-leucylamino-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-octadecyldodecanamideacetate.

The sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides: A vaccinecomposition comprising an adjuvant formulation and a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an antigen component, wherein the adjuvantformulation comprises a saponin, a sterol, a quaternary ammoniumcompound, and a polymer, and wherein said antigen component comprises aninactivated virus.

The seventeenth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition, comprising:

a) preparing a composition of the antigen component in a buffer;

b) adding the saponin to the composition of step a;

c) adding the sterol to the composition of step b;

d) adding the quaternary ammonium compound to the composition of step c;

e) adding the polymer to the composition of step d.

The eighteenth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth aspect,wherein the saponin is Quil A or a purified fraction thereof, the sterolis cholesterol, the quaternary ammonium compound is DDA, and the polymeris polyacrylic acid.

The nineteenth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth aspect,further comprising a step of homogenizing the composition of step a andcontinuing the homogenization during each of steps a to d.

The twentieth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth aspect,further comprising a step comprising microfluidizing the composition ofstep d.

The twenty-first aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth aspect,further comprising a step f) of adding to the composition of step e, aTh2 stimulant.

The twenty-second aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth aspect,further comprising a glycolipid.

The twenty-third aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the twenty-second aspect,wherein the glycolipid isN-(2-deoxy-2-L-leucylamino-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-octadecyldodecanamideacetate.

The twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention provides: Animmunogenic composition according to the first to eighth aspects,further comprising an oil.

The twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention provides: Animmunogenic composition according to the first to eighth aspects,wherein the antigen component comprises feline leukemia virus.

The twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises feline leukemia virus.

The twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises felineleukemia virus.

The twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides: Animmunogenic composition according to the first to eighth aspects,wherein the antigen component comprises an Escherichia coli J-5 strainbacterin.

The twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention provides: Theimmunogenic composition of the 24^(th) aspect, wherein the antigencomponent comprises an Escherichia coli J-5 strain bacterin.

The thirtieth aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition comprising an adjuvant formulation and an immunologicallyeffective amount of an Escherichia coli J-5 strain bacterin, wherein theadjuvant formulation comprises a saponin, a sterol, a quaternaryammonium compound, and an oil.

The thirty-first aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises an Escherichia coli J-5strain bacterin.

The thirty-second aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises anEscherichia coli J-5 strain bacterin.

The thirty-third aspect of the present invention provides: A vaccinecomposition comprising an adjuvant formulation and an immunologicallyeffective amount of an Escherichia coli J-5 strain bacterin, wherein theadjuvant formulation comprises a saponin, a sterol, a quaternaryammonium compound, and an oil.

The thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention provides: A method oftreating a bovine against infection caused by Escherichia colicomprising administering to the bovine the vaccine composition of thethirty-third aspect.

The thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention provides: Animmunogenic composition according to the first to eighth aspects,wherein the antigen component comprises bovine viral diarrhea virus(BVDV).

The thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention provides: Theimmunogenic composition of the thirty-fourth aspect, wherein the antigencomponent comprises BVDV type 1 (BVDV-1) and BVDV type 2 (BVDV-2).

The thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises BVDV.

The thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides: The methodof the thirty-seventh aspect, wherein the antigen component comprisesBVDV-1 and BVDV-2.

The thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises BVDV.

The fortieth aspect of the present invention provides: The method of thethirty-ninth aspect, wherein the antigen component comprises BVDV-1 andBVDV-2.

The forty-first aspect of the present invention provides: A vaccinecomposition comprising an adjuvant formulation and a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an antigen component, wherein the adjuvantformulation comprises a saponin, a sterol, a quaternary ammoniumcompound, and a polymer, and wherein the antigen component comprisesBVDV-1 and BVDV-2.

The forty-second aspect of the present invention provides: A method oftreating a bovine against infection caused by BVDV comprisingadministering to the bovine the vaccine composition of the forty-firstaspect.

The forty-third aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition according to the first to eighth aspects, wherein theantigen component comprises Mycoplasma hyopneumonia (M. hyopneumonia).

The forty-fourth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises M. hyopneumonia.

The forty-fifth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises M.hyopneumonia.

The forty-sixth aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition according to the first to eighth aspects, wherein theantigen component comprises feline influenza virus (FIV).

The forty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises FIV.

The forty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises FIV.

The forty-ninth aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition according to the first to eighth aspects, wherein theantigen component comprises a cancer antigen.

The fiftieth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises a cancer antigen.

The fifty-first aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises a cancerantigen.

The fifty-second aspect of the present invention provides: Animmunogenic composition according to the first to eighth aspects,further comprising an ORN/ODN.

The fifty-third aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition according to the fifty-second aspect, wherein the ORN/ODN isCpG.

The fifty-fourth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, further comprising a step of adding an ORN/ODN to thecomposition of step a.

The fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, further comprising a step of adding an ORN/ODN tothe composition of step a.

The fifty-sixth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the fifty-fifth aspect,wherein the ORN/ODN is CpG.

The fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides: Animmunogenic composition according to the first to eighth aspects,wherein the antigen component comprises canine coronavirus (CCV).

The fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises CCV.

The fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises CCV.

The sixtieth aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition according to the first to eighth aspects, wherein theantigen comprises bovine rotavirus.

The sixty-first aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises bovine rotavirus.

The sixty-second aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises bovinerotavirus.

The sixty-third aspect of the present invention provides: An immunogeniccomposition according to the first to eighth aspects, wherein theantigen component comprises canine influenza virus (CIV).

The sixth-fourth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing an immunogenic composition according to the ninth to fifteenthaspects, wherein the antigen component comprises CIV.

The sixty-fifth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofpreparing a vaccine composition according to the seventeenth totwenty-third aspects, wherein the antigen component comprises CIV.

The sixty-sixth aspect of the present invention provides: A method ofdifferentiating an animal naturally infected with BVDV from an animalvaccinated with the vaccine composition of the forty-first aspect, saidmethod comprising obtaining a sample from a test animal, and measuringthe levels of E2 protein and NS2/3 proteins in said sample, wherein theabsence of NS2/3 proteins indicates that the animal was vaccinated withsaid vaccine composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

FIG. 1 depicts a gel run by radioimmunoprecipitation assay showing theantibody profile differences between NS2/3 proteins and E2 proteins ofthe BVD Virus. The PreZent A treated group shows an antibody response toboth the NS2/3 proteins and the E2 proteins while the QCDC and QCDCRtreated groups demonstrated an antibody response to only E2 protein andnot the NS2/3 proteins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

“About” or “approximately,” when used in connection with a measurablenumerical variable, refers to the indicated value of the variable and toall values of the variable that are within the experimental error of theindicated value (e.g., within the 95% confidence interval for the mean)or within 10 percent of the indicated value, whichever is greater,unless about is used in reference to time intervals in weeks where“about 3 weeks,” is 17 to 25 days, and about 2 to about 4 weeks is 10 to40 days.

“Adjuvant” means any substance that increases the humoral or cellularimmune response to an antigen. Adjuvants are generally used toaccomplish two objectives: The slow the release of antigens from theinjection site, and the stimulation of the immune system.

“Alkyl” refers to both straight and branched saturated hydrocarbonmoieties.

“Amine” refers to a chemical compound containing nitrogen. Amines are agroup of compounds derived from ammonia by substituting hydrocarbongroups for the hydrogen atoms. “Quaternary amine” refers to an ammoniumbased compound with four hydrocarbon groups.

“Antibody” refers to an immunoglobulin molecule that can bind to aspecific antigen as the result of an immune response to that antigen.Immunoglobulins are serum proteins composed of “light” and “heavy”polypeptide chains having “constant” and “variable” regions and aredivided into classes (e.g., IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM) based on thecomposition of the constant regions.

“Antigen” or “immunogen” refers to any substance that stimulates animmune response. The term includes killed, inactivated, attenuated, ormodified live bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The term antigen alsoincludes polynucleotides, polypeptides, recombinant proteins, syntheticpeptides, protein extract, cells (including tumor cells), tissues,polysaccharides, or lipids, or fragments thereof, individually or in anycombination thereof. The term antigen also includes antibodies, such asanti-idiotype antibodies or fragments thereof, and to synthetic peptidemimotopes that can mimic an antigen or antigenic determinant (epitope).

“Bacterin” means a suspension of one or more killed bacteria which maybe used as a component of a vaccine or immunogenic composition.

“Buffer” means a chemical system that prevents change in theconcentration of another chemical substance, e.g., proton donor andacceptor systems serve as buffers preventing marked changes in hydrogenion concentration (pH). A further example of a buffer is a solutioncontaining a mixture of a weak acid and its salt (conjugate base) or aweak base and its salt (conjugate acid).

“Cellular immune response” or “cell mediated immune response” is onemediated by T-lymphocytes or other white blood cells or both, andincludes the production of cytokines, chemokines and similar moleculesproduced by activated T-cells, white blood cells, or both.

“Cholesterol” refers to a white crystalline substance with a chemicalformula of C₂₇H₄₅OH. It is a cyclic hydrocarbon alcohol, which isclassified as a lipid. It is insoluble in water but soluble in a numberof organic solvents.

“Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH)” refers to an inflammatory responsethat develops 24 to 72 hours after exposure to an antigen that theimmune system recognizes as foreign. This type of immune responseinvolves mainly T cells rather than antibodies (which are made by Bcells).

“Dose” refers to a vaccine or immunogenic composition given to asubject. A “first dose” or “priming vaccine” refers to the dose of sucha composition given on Day 0. A “second dose” or a “third dose” or an“annual dose” refers to an amount of such composition given subsequentto the first dose, which may or may not be the same vaccine orimmunogenic composition as the first dose.

“Emulsifier” means a substance used to make an emulsion more stable.

“Emulsion” means a composition of two immiscible liquids in which smalldroplets of one liquid are suspended in a continuous phase of the otherliquid.

“Esters” refers to any of a class of organic compounds corresponding tothe inorganic salts, which are formed from a condensation reaction inwhich a molecule of an organic acid unites with a molecule of alcoholwith elimination of a molecule of water.

“Excipient” refers to any component of a vaccine that is not an antigen.

“Homogenization” refers to a process of mixing one or more components,either similar or dissimilar, into a uniform mixture.

“Humoral immune response” refers to one that is mediated by antibodies.

“Hydrophobic” means insoluble in water, not readily absorbing moisture,or being adversely affected by water; either incompatible with water orhaving little affinity for it.

“Immune response” in a subject refers to the development of a humoralimmune response, a cellular immune response, or a humoral and a cellularimmune response to an antigen. Immune responses can usually bedetermined using standard immunoassays and neutralization assays, whichare known in the art.

“Immunologically protective amount” or “immunologically effectiveamount” or “effective amount to produce an immune response” of anantigen is an amount effective to induce an immunogenic response in therecipient. The immunogenic response may be sufficient for diagnosticpurposes or other testing, or may be adequate to prevent signs orsymptoms of disease, including adverse health effects or complicationsthereof, caused by infection with a disease agent. Either humoralimmunity or cell-mediated immunity or both may be induced. Theimmunogenic response of an animal to an immunogenic composition may beevaluated, e.g., indirectly through measurement of antibody titers,lymphocyte proliferation assays, or directly through monitoring signsand symptoms after challenge with wild type strain, whereas theprotective immunity conferred by a vaccine can be evaluated bymeasuring, e.g., reduction in clinical signs such as mortality,morbidity, temperature number, overall physical condition, and overallhealth and performance of the subject. The immune response may comprise,without limitation, induction of cellular and/or humoral immunity.

“Immunogenic” means evoking an immune or antigenic response. Thus animmunogenic composition would be any composition that induces an immuneresponse.

“Immunostimulating complex” or ISCOM refers to a specific structure thatis formed when Quil A is combined with cholesterol and phospholipids.

“Immunostimulatory molecule” refers to a molecule that generates animmune response.

“Lipids” refers to any of a group of organic compounds, including thefats, oils, waxes, sterols, and triglycerides, that are insoluble inwater but soluble in nonpolar organic solvents, are oily to the touch,and together with carbohydrates and proteins constitute the principalstructural material of living cells.

“Lipophilic” means showing a marked attraction to, or solubility in,lipids.

“Liposome” refers to a microscopic spherical particle formed by a lipidbilayer enclosing an aqueous compartment, used medicinally to carry adrug, antigen, vaccine, enzyme, or another substance to targeted cellsin the body

“Medicinal agent” refers to any agent which is useful in the prevention,cure, or improvement of disease, or the prevention of some physiologicalcondition or occurrence.

“Parenteral administration” refers to the introduction of a substance,such as a vaccine, into a subject's body through or by way of a routethat does not include the digestive tract. Parenteral administrationincludes subcutaneous, intramuscular, transcutaneous, intradermal,intraperitoneal, intraocular, and intravenous administration.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to substances, which are within thescope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with thetissues of subjects without undue toxicity, irritation, allergicresponse, and the like, commensurate with a reasonable benefit-to-riskratio, and effective for their intended use.

“Reactogenicity” refers to the side effects elicited in a subject inresponse to the administration of an adjuvant, an immunogenic, or avaccine composition. It can occur at the site of administration, and isusually assessed in terms of the development of a number of symptoms.These symptoms can include inflammation, redness, and abscess. It isalso assessed in terms of occurrence, duration, and severity. A “low”reaction would, for example, involve swelling that is only detectable bypalpitation and not by the eye, or would be of short duration. A moresevere reaction would be, for example, one that is visible to the eye oris of longer duration.

“Room Temperature” means a temperature from 18 to 25° C.

“Saponin” refers to a group of surface-active glycosides of plant origincomposed of a hydrophilic region (usually several sugar chains) inassociation with a hydrophobic region of either steroid or triterpenoidstructure.

“Steroids” refers to any of a group of organic compounds belonging tobiochemical class of lipids, which are easily soluble in organicsolvents and slightly soluble in water. Steroids comprise a four-fusedring system of three fused cyclohexane (six-carbon) rings plus a fourthcyclopentane (five-carbon) ring.

“Sterols” refers to compounds in animals which are biologically producedfrom terpenoid precursors. They comprise a steroid ring structure,having a hydroxyl (OH) group, usually attached to carbon-3. Thehydrocarbon chain of the fatty-acid substituent varies in length,usually from 16 to 20 carbon atoms, and can be saturated or unsaturated.Sterols commonly contain one or more double bonds in the ring structureand also a variety of substituents attached to the rings. Sterols andtheir fatty-acid esters are essentially water insoluble.

“Subject” refers to any animal for which the administration of anadjuvant composition is desired. It includes mammals and non-mammals,including primates, livestock, companion animals, laboratory testanimals, captive wild animals, ayes (including in ova), reptiles, andfish. Thus, this term includes but is not limited to monkeys, humans,swine; cattle, sheep, goats, equines, mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters,rabbits, felines, canines, chickens, turkeys, ducks, other poultry,frogs, and lizards.

“TCID₅₀” refers to “tissue culture infective dose” and is defined asthat dilution of a virus required to infect 50% of a given batch ofinoculated cell cultures. Various methods may be used to calculateTCID₅₀, including the Spearman-Karber method which is utilizedthroughout this specification. For a description of the Spearman-Karbermethod, see B. W. Mahy & H. O. Kangro, Virology Methods Manual, p. 25-46(1996).

“Therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount of an antigen orvaccine that would induce an immune response in a subject receiving theantigen or vaccine which is adequate to prevent or reduce signs orsymptoms of disease, including adverse health effects or complicationsthereof, caused by infection with a pathogen, such as a virus or abacterium. Humoral immunity or cell-mediated immunity or both humoraland cell-mediated immunity may be induced. The immunogenic response ofan animal to a vaccine may be evaluated, e.g., indirectly throughmeasurement of antibody titers, lymphocyte proliferation assays, ordirectly through monitoring signs and symptoms after challenge with wildtype strain. The protective immunity conferred by a vaccine can beevaluated by measuring, e.g., reduction in clinical signs such asmortality, morbidity, temperature number, overall physical condition,and overall health and performance of the subject. The amount of avaccine that is therapeutically effective may vary depending on theparticular adjuvant used, the particular antigen used, or the conditionof the subject, and can be determined by one skilled in the art.

“Treating” refers to preventing a disorder, condition, or disease towhich such term applies, or to preventing or reducing one or moresymptoms of such disorder, condition, or disease.

“Treatment” refers to the act of “treating” as defined above.

“Triterpeniods” refers to a large and diverse class of naturallyoccurring organic molecules, derived from six five-carbon isoprene(2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) units, which can be assembled and modified inthousands of ways. Most are multicyclic structures which differ from oneanother in functional groups and in their basic carbon skeletons. Thesemolecules can be found in all classes of living things.

“Vaccine” refers to a composition that includes an antigen, as definedherein. Administration of the vaccine to a subject results in an immuneresponse, generally against one or more specific diseases. The amount ofa vaccine that is therapeutically effective may vary depending on theparticular antigen used, or the condition of the subject, and can bedetermined by one skilled in the art.

Components of the Compositions Triterpenoids and CpGs

Triterpenoids suitable for use in the adjuvant compositions can comefrom many sources, either plant derived or synthetic equivalents,including but not limited to, Quillaja saponaria, tomatine, ginsingextracts, mushrooms, and an alkaloid glycoside structurally similar tosteroidal saponins. Thus, triterpenoids suitable for use in the adjuvantcompositions include saponins, squalene, and lanosterol. The amount oftriterpenoids suitable for use in the adjuvant compositions depends uponthe nature of the triterpenoid used. However, they are generally used inan amount of about 1 μg to about 5,000 μg per dose. They also are usedin an amount of about 1 μg to about 4,000 μg per dose, about 1 μg toabout 3,000 μg per dose, about 1 μg to about 2,000 μg per dose, andabout 1 μg to about 1,000 μg per dose. They are also used in an amountof about 5 μg to about 750 μg per dose, about 5 μg to about 500 μg perdose, about 5 μg to about 200 μg per dose, about 5 μg to about 100 μgper dose, about 15 μg to about 100 μg per dose, and in an amount ofabout 30 μg to about 75 μg per dose.

If a saponin is used, the adjuvant compositions generally contain animmunologically active saponin fraction from the bark of Quillajasaponaria. The saponin may be, for example, Quil A or another purifiedor partially purified saponin preparation, which can be obtainedcommercially. Thus, saponin extracts can be used as mixtures or purifiedindividual components such as QS-7, QS-17, QS-18, and QS-21. In oneembodiment the Quil A is at least 85% pure. In other embodiments, theQuil A is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%pure.

CpG ODNs are a recently described class of pharmacotherapeutic agentsthat are characterized by the presence of an unmethylated CGdinucleotide in specific base-sequence contexts (CpG motif). (Hansel TT, Barnes P J (eds): New Drugs for Asthma, Allergy and COPD. Prog RespirRes. Basel, Karger, 2001, vol 31, pp 229-232, which is incorporatedherein by reference) These CpG motifs are not seen in eukaryotic DNA, inwhich CG dinucleotides are suppressed and, when present, usuallymethylated, but are present in bacterial DNA to which they conferimmunostimulatory properties. These immunostimulatory properties includeinduction of a Th1-type response with prominent release of IFN-α, IL-12,and IL-18. CpG ODNs (18-24 bp in length) possess immunomodulatoryproperties similar to bacterial DNA. The cell surface proteins can takeup these molecules with variable results. However, with a carrier suchas QCDC, QCDCR and other combinations cited within this patent theimmunomodulation properties and uptake of the CpG are significantlyenhanced.

The amount of CpG for use in the adjuvant compositions depends upon thenature of the CpG used and the intended species. However, they aregenerally used in an amount of about 1 μg to about 20 mg per dose. Theyalso are used in an amount of about 1 μg to about 10 mg per dose, about1 μg to about 5 mg per dose, about 1 μg to about 4 mg per dose, about 1μg to about 3 mg per dose, about 1 μg to about 2 mg per dose, and about1 μg to about 1 mg per dose. They are also used in an amount of about 5μg to about 750 μg per dose, about 5 μg to about 500 μg per dose, about5 μg to about 200 μg per dose, about 5 μg to about 100 μg per dose, 10μg to about 100 μg per dose, about 15 μg to about 100 μg per dose, andin an amount of about 30 μg to about 75 μg per dose.

Sterols

Sterols suitable for use in the adjuvant compositions include6-sitosterol, stigmasterol, ergosterol, ergocalciferol, and cholesterol.These sterols are well known in the art and can be purchasedcommercially. For example cholesterol is disclosed in the Merck Index,12th Ed., p. 369. The amount of sterols suitable for use in the adjuvantcompositions depends upon the nature of the sterol used. However, theyare generally used in an amount of about 1 μg to about 5,000 μg perdose. They also are used in an amount of about 1 μg to about 4,000 μgper dose, about 1 μg to about 3,000 μg per dose, about 1 μg to about2,000 μg per dose, and about 1 μg to about 1,000 μg per dose. They arealso used in an amount of about 5 μg to about 750 μg per dose, about 5μg to about 500 μg per dose, about 5 μg to about 200 μg per dose, about5 μg to about 100 μg per dose, about 15 μg to about 100 μg per dose, andabout 30 μg to about 75 μg per dose.

Immunomodulators

The adjuvant compositions can further include one or moreimmunomodulatory agents such as, e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds(e.g., DDA), and interleukins, interferons, or other cytokines. Thesematerials can be purchased commercially. The amount of animmunomodulator suitable for use in the adjuvant compositions dependsupon the nature of the immunomodulator used and the subject. However,they are generally used in an amount of about 1 μg to about 5,000 μg perdose. They also are used in an amount of about 1 μg to about 4,000 μgper dose, about 1 μg to about 3,000 μg per dose, about 1 μg to about2,000 μg per dose, and about 1 μg to about 1,000 μg per dose. They arealso used in an amount of about 5 μg to about 750 μg per dose, about 5μg to about 500 μg per dose, about 5 μg to about 200 μg per dose, about5 μg to about 100 μg per dose, about 15 μg to about 100 μg per dose, andin an amount of about 30 μg to about 75 μg per dose. For a specificexample, adjuvant compositions containing DDA can be prepared by simplymixing an antigen solution with a freshly prepared solution of DDA.

Polymers

The adjuvant compositions can further include one or more polymers suchas, for example, DEAE Dextran, polyethylene glycol, and polyacrylic acidand polymethacrylic acid (eg, CARBOPOL®). Such material can be purchasedcommercially. The amount of polymers suitable for use in the adjuvantcompositions depends upon the nature of the polymers used. However, theyare generally used in an amount of about 0.0001% volume to volume (v/v)to about 75% v/v. In other embodiments, they are used in an amount ofabout 0.001% v/v to about 50% v/v, of about 0.005% v/v to about 25% v/v,of about 0.01% v/v to about 10% v/v, of about 0.05% v/v to about 2% v/v,and of about 0.1% v/v to about 0.75% v/v. In another embodiment, theyare used in an amount of about 0.02 v/v to about 0.4% v/v. DEAE-dextrancan have a molecular size in the range of 50,000 Da to 5,000,000 Da, orit can be in the range of 500,000 Da to 2,000,000 Da. Such material maybe purchased commercially or prepared from dextran.

Another specific example is polyacrylic acid (e.g., the CARBOPOL®polymers), which has an average equivalent weight of 76. They areproduced from primary polymer particles of about 0.2 to 6.0 microns inaverage diameter. The CARBOPOL® polymers swell in water up to 1000 timestheir original volume and ten times their original diameter to form agel when exposed to a pH environment greater than the pKa of thecarboxylate group. At a pH greater than the pKa of carboxylate group,the carboxylate groups ionize resulting in repulsion between thenegative charges, which adds to the swelling of the polymer.

Th2 Stimulants

The adjuvant compositions can further include one or more Th2 stimulantssuch as, for example, Bay R1005® and aluminum. The amount of Th2stimulants suitable for use in the adjuvant compositions depends uponthe nature of the Th2 stimulant used. However, they are generally usedin an amount of about 0.01 mg to about 10 mg per dose. In otherembodiments, they are used in an amount of about 0.05 mg to about 7.5 mgper dose, of about 0.1 mg to about 5 mg per dose, of about 0.5 mg toabout 2.5 mg per dose, and of 1 mg to about 2 mg per dose. A specificexample is Bay R1005®, a glycolipid with the chemical name“N-(2-deoxy-2-L-leucylamino-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-octadecyldodecanamideacetate.” It can be synthesized according to the procedure found inLockhoff, O. (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 30:1611-1620; 1991). It isrecommended that it is stored at 2-8° C. in an airtight container. Itschemical or physical properties are that it is slightly hygroscopic,does not form polymorphs, is chemically stable in air and light attemperatures up to 50° C. and in aqueous solvents at pH 2-12 at ambienttemperature. It is an amphiphilic molecule which forms micelles inaqueous solution.

Antigens and Diseases

The adjuvant compositions can contain one or more antigens. The antigencan be any of a wide variety of substances capable of producing adesired immune response in a subject. Although Quil A alone isvirucidal, Quil A is detoxified with the addition of cholesterol whenforming helical micelles (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,122,191). The adjuvantcompositions described herein have been found to be non-viricidal, andnon-hemolytic or membranolytic. Thus, the antigens used with theseadjuvant compositions can be one or more of viruses (inactivated,attenuated, and modified live), bacteria, parasites, nucleotides,polynucleotides, peptides, polypeptides, recombinant proteins, syntheticpeptides, protein extract, cells (including tumor cells), tissues,polysaccharides, carbohydrates, fatty acids, teichioc acid,peptidoglycans, lipids, or glycolipids, individually or in anycombination thereof.

The antigens used with the adjuvants of the invention also includeimmunogenic fragments of nucleotides, polynucleotides, peptides,polypeptides, that can be isolated from the organisms referred toherein.

Live, modified-live, and attenuated viral strains that do not causedisease in a subject have been isolated in non-virulent form or havebeen attenuated using methods well known in the art, including serialpassage in a suitable cell line or exposure to ultraviolet light or achemical mutagen. Inactivated or killed viral strains are those whichhave been inactivated by methods known to those skilled in the art,including treatment with formalin, betapropriolactone (BPL), binaryethyleneimine (BEI), sterilizing radiation, heat, or other such methods.

Two or more antigens can be combined to produce a polyvalent compositionthat can protect a subject against a wide variety of diseases caused bythe pathogens. Currently, commercial manufacturers of vaccines, as wellas end users, prefer polyvalent vaccine products. While conventionaladjuvants are often limited in the variety of antigens with which theycan be effectively used (either monovalently or polyvalently), theadjuvants described herein can be used effectively with a wide range ofantigens, both monovalently and polyvalently. Thus, the antigensdescribed herein can be combined in a single composition comprising theadjuvants described herein.

Some examples of bacteria which can be used as antigens with theadjuvant compositions include, but are not limited to, Aceinetobactercalcoaceticus, Acetobacter paseruianus, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius,Arhaeglobus fulgidus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus stearothermophillus,Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thermocatenulatus, Bordetellabronchiseptica, Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia glumae, Campylobactercoli, Campylobacter fetus, Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacterhyointestinalis, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis,Chlamydophila spp., Chromobacterium viscosum, Erysipelothrixrhusiopathieae, Listeria monocytogenes, Ehrlichia canis, Escherichiacoli, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus somnus, Helicobacter suis,Lawsonia intracellularis, Legionella pneumophilia, Moraxellsa sp.,Mycobactrium bovis, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp.mycoides LC, Clostridium perfringens, Odoribacter denticanis,Pasteurella (Mannheimia) haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida,Photorhabdus luminescens, Porphyromonas gulae, Porphyromonas gingivalis,Porphyromonas salivosa, Propionibacterium acnes, Proteus vulgaris,Pseudomnas wisconsinensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonasfluorescens C9, Pseudomonas fluorescens SIKW1, Pseudomonas fragi,Pseudomonas luteola, Pseudomonas oleovorans, Pseudomonas sp B11-1,Alcaliges eutrophus, Psychrobacter immobilis, Rickettsia prowazekii,Rickettsia rickettsia, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella bongori,Salmonella enterica, Salmonella dublin, Salmonella typhimurium,Salmonella choleraseuis, Salmonella newport, Serratia marcescens,Spirlina platensis, Staphlyoccocus aureus, Staphyloccoccus epidermidis,Staphylococcus hyicus, Streptomyces albus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus,Streptococcus suis, Streptomyces exfoliates, Streptomyces scabies,Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, Syechocystis sp., Vibrio cholerae, Borreliaburgdorferi, Treponema denticola, Treponema minutum, Treponemaphagedenis, Treponema refringens, Treponema vincentii, Treponemapalladium, and Leptospira species, such as the known pathogensLeptospira canicola, Leptospira grippotyposa, Leptospira hardjo,Leptospira borgpetersenii hardjo-bovis, Leptospira borgpeterseniihardjo-prajitno, Leptospira interrogans, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae,Leptospira pomona, and Leptospira bratislava, and combinations thereof.

Both inactivated viruses and attenuated live viruses may be used in theadjuvant compositions. Some examples of viruses which can be used asantigens include, but are not limited to, Avian herpesviruses, Bovineherpesviruses, Canine herpesviruses, Equine herpesviruses, Feline viralrhinotracheitis virus, Marek's disease virus, Ovine herpesviruses,Porcine herpesviruses, Pseudorabies virus, Avian paramyxoviruses, Bovinerespiratory syncytial virus, Canine distemper virus, Canineparainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus, BovineParainfluenza virus 3, Ovine parainfluenza 3, Rinderpest virus, Borderdisease virus, Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), BVDV Type I, BVDVType II, Classical swine fever virus, Avian Leukosis virus, Bovineimmunodeficiency virus, Bovine leukemia virus, Bovine tuberculosis,Equine infectious anemia virus, Feline immunodeficiency virus, Felineleukemia virus (FeLV), Newcastle Disease virus, Ovine progressivepneumonia virus, Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma virus, Caninecoronavirus (CCV), pantropic CCV, Canine respiratory coronavirus, Bovinecoronavirus, Feline Calicivirus, Feline enteric coronavirus, Felineinfectious peritonitis, virus, Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, Porcinehemagglutinating encephalomyletitis virus, Porcine parvovirus, PorcineCircovirus (PCV) Type I, PCV Type II, Porcine Reproductive andRespiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Virus, Transmissible gastroenteritis virus,Turkey coronavirus, Bovine ephemeral fever virus, Rabies, Rotovirus,Vesicular stomatitis virus, lentivirus, Avian influenza, Rhinoviruses,Equine influenza virus, Swine influenza virus, Canine influenza virus,Feline influenza virus, Human influenza virus, Eastern Equineencephalitis virus (EEE), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, WestNile virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, human immunodeficiencyvirus, human papilloma virus, varicella zoster virus, hepatitis B virus,rhinovirus, and measles virus, and combinations thereof.

Examples of peptide antigens include Bordetella bronchiseptica p68,GnRH, IgE peptides, Fel d1, and cancer antigens, and combinationsthereof. Examples of other antigens include nucleotides, carbohydrates,lipids, glycolipids, peptides, fatty acids, and teichioc acid, andpeptidoglycans, and combinations thereof.

Some examples of parasites which can be used as antigens with theadjuvant compositions include, but are not limited to, Anaplasma,Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke), Coccidia, Eimeria spp., Neosporacaninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia, Dirofilaria (heartworms),Ancylostoma (hookworms), Trypanosoma spp., Leishmania spp., Trichomonasspp., Cryptosporidium parvum, Babesia, Schistosoma, Taenia,Strongyloides, Ascaris, Trichinella, Sarcocystis, Hammondia, andIsopsora, and combinations thereof. Also contemplated are externalparasites including, but not limited to, ticks, including Ixodes,Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, Amblyomma, Boophilus, Hyalomma, andHaemaphysalis species, and combinations thereof.

The amount of antigen used to induce an immune response will varyconsiderably depending on the antigen used, the subject, and the levelof response desired, and can be determined by one skilled in the art.For vaccines containing modified live viruses or attenuated viruses, atherapeutically effective amount of the antigen generally ranges fromabout 10² Tissue Culture Infective Dose (TCID)₅₀ to about 10¹⁰ TCID₅₀,inclusive. For many such viruses, a therapeutically effective dose isgenerally in the range of about 10² TCID₅₀ to about 10⁸ TCID₅₀,inclusive. In some embodiments, the ranges of therapeutically effectivedoses are about 10³ TCID₅₀ to about 10⁶ TCID₅₀, inclusive. In some otherembodiments, the ranges of therapeutically effective doses are about 10⁴TCID₅₀ to about 10⁵ TCID₅₀, inclusive.

For vaccines containing inactivated viruses, a therapeutically effectiveamount of the antigen is generally at least about 100 relative units perdose, and often in the range from about 1,000 to about 4,500 relativeunits per dose, inclusive. In other embodiments, the therapeuticallyeffective amount of the antigen is in a range from about 250 to about4,000 relative units per dose, inclusive, from about 500 to about 3,000relative units per dose, inclusive, from about 750 to about 2,000relative units per dose, inclusive, or from about 1,000 to about 1,500relative units per dose, inclusive.

A therapeutically effective amount of antigen in vaccines containinginactivated viruses can also be measured in terms of Relative Potency(RP) per mL. A therapeutically effective amount is often in the rangefrom about 0.1 to about 50 RP per mL, inclusive. In other embodiments,the therapeutically effective amount of the antigen is in a range fromabout 0.5 to about 30 RP per mL, inclusive, from about 1 to about 25 RPper mL, inclusive, from about 2 to about 20 RP per mL, inclusive, fromabout 3 to about 15 RP per mL, inclusive, or from about 5 to about 10 RPper mL, inclusive.

In one embodiment a FeLV antigen was produced from the FL74-UCD-1 cellline (ATCC Number CRL-8012) which is persistently infected with theKT-FeLV-UCD-1 feline leukemia virus strain. The amount of FeLV antigenin a vaccine can be measured as the amount of gp70 viral protein per mL.A therapeutically effective amount of FeLV antigen, when measured by theamount of gp70 viral protein per mL, generally is in the range fromabout 100 to about 350,000 ng/ml, inclusive. In another embodiment therange is from about 1,000 to about 300,000 ng/ml, inclusive, or fromabout 2,500 to about 250,000 ng/ml, inclusive, or from about 4,000 toabout 220,000 ng/ml, inclusive, or from about 5,000 to about 150,000ng/ml, inclusive, or from about 10,000 ng/ml to about 100,000 ng/ml,inclusive.

The number of cells for a bacterial antigen administered in a vaccineranges from about 1×10⁶ to about 5×10¹⁹ colony forming units (CFU) perdose, inclusive. In other embodiments, the number of cells ranges fromabout 1×10⁷ to 5×10¹⁹ CFU/dose, inclusive, or from about 1×10⁸ to 5×10¹⁹CFU/dose, inclusive. In still other embodiments, the number of cellsranges from about 1×10² to 5×10¹⁹ CFU/dose, inclusive, or from about1×10⁴ to 5×10⁹ CFU/dose, inclusive, or from about 1×10⁵ to 5×10⁹CFU/dose, inclusive, or from about 1×10⁶ to 5×10⁹ CFU/dose, inclusive,or from about 1×10⁶ to 5×10⁸ CFU/dose, inclusive, or from about 1×10⁷ to5×10⁹ CFU/dose, inclusive.

The number of cells for a parasite antigen administered in a vaccineranges from about 1×10² to about 1×10¹⁹ per dose, inclusive. In otherembodiments, the number of cells ranges from about 1×10³ to about 1×10⁹per dose, inclusive, or from about 1×10⁴ to about 1×10⁸ per dose,inclusive, or from about 1×10⁵ to about 1×10⁷ per dose, inclusive, orfrom about 1×10⁶ to about 1×10⁸ per dose, inclusive.

It is well known in the art that with conventional adjuvants, asubstantially greater amount of inactivated viruses than modified liveor attenuated viruses is needed to stimulate a comparable level ofserological response. However, it has been surprisingly found that withthe adjuvant compositions described herein, approximately the sameamounts of inactivated virus and modified live virus stimulate similarlevels of serological response. In addition, smaller amounts of modifiedlive, attenuated, and inactivated virus are needed with the adjuvantsdescribed herein when compared with conventional adjuvants to achievethe same level of serological response. These unexpected findingsdemonstrate conservation of resources and reduction of cost duringpreparation of immunogenic and vaccine compositions. For vaccines withwide utility, the manufacture of millions of doses per year is required,so these savings can be substantial.

Excipients

Aqueous adjuvants provide certain advantages. They are generally easy toformulate and administer, and can induce few or less serious injectionsite reactions. However, aqueous adjuvants with an antigen tend todiffuse from the injection site, are cleared by the subject's liver, andgenerate an undesirable non-specific immune response. It has beensurprisingly found that the aqueous adjuvant compositions describedherein remain at the injection site until biometabolized, which occursover a long period of time, and provide a targeted immune response.

Oil, when added as a component of an adjuvant, generally provides a longand slow release profile. In the present invention, the oil can bemetabolizable or non-metabolizable. The oil can be in the form of anoil-in-water, a water-in-oil, or a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion.

Oils suitable for use in the present invention include alkanes, alkenes,alkynes, and their corresponding acids and alcohols, the ethers andesters thereof, and mixtures thereof. The individual compounds of theoil are light hydrocarbon compounds, i.e., such components have 6 to 30carbon atoms. The oil can be synthetically prepared or purified frompetroleum products. The moiety may have a straight or branched chainstructure. It may be fully saturated or have one or more double ortriple bonds. Some non-metabolizable oils for use in the presentinvention include mineral oil, paraffin oil, and cycloparaffins, forexample.

The term oil is also intended to include “light mineral oil,” i.e., oilwhich is similarly obtained by distillation of petrolatum, but which hasa slightly lower specific gravity than white mineral oil.

Metabolizable oils include metabolizable, non-toxic oils. The oil can beany vegetable oil, fish oil, animal oil or synthetically prepared oilwhich can be metabolized by the body of the subject to which theadjuvant will be administered and which is not toxic to the subject.Sources for vegetable oils include nuts, seeds and grains.

An oil-in-water emulsion provided by the present invention is composedof an AMPHIGEN® formulation. This formulation comprises an aqueouscomponent, lecithin, mineral oil, and surfactants. Patents describingthe components of the formulation include U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,269 andU.S. Pat. No. 6,572,861.

Typically, the oil component of the present invention is present in anamount from 1% to 50% by volume; or in an amount of 10% to 45%; or in anamount from 20% to 40%.

Other components of the compositions can include pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipients, such as carriers, solvents, and diluents,isotonic agents, buffering agents, stabilizers, preservatives,vaso-constrictive agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, andthe like. Typical carriers, solvents, and diluents include water,saline, dextrose, ethanol, glycerol, oil, and the like. Representativeisotonic agents include sodium chloride, dextrose, mannitol, sorbitol,lactose, and the like. Useful stabilizers include gelatin, albumin, andthe like.

Surfactants are used to assist in the stabilization of the emulsionselected to act as the carrier for the adjuvant and antigen. Surfactantssuitable for use in the present inventions include natural biologicallycompatible surfactants and non-natural synthetic surfactants.Biologically compatible surfactants include phospholipid compounds or amixture of phospholipids. Preferred phospholipids arephosphatidylcholines (lecithin), such as soy or egg lecithin. Lecithincan be obtained as a mixture of phosphatides and triglycerides bywater-washing crude vegetable oils, and separating and drying theresulting hydrated gums. A refined product can be obtained byfractionating the mixture for acetone insoluble phospholipids andglycolipids remaining after removal of the triglycerides and vegetableoil by acetone washing. Alternatively, lecithin can be obtained fromvarious commercial sources. Other suitable phospholipids includephosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine,phosphatidic acid, cardiolipin, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Thephospholipids may be isolated from natural sources or conventionallysynthesized.

Non-natural, synthetic surfactants suitable for use in the presentinvention include sorbitan-based non-ionic surfactants, e.g.fatty-acid-substituted sorbitan surfactants (commercially availableunder the name SPAN® or ARLACEL®), fatty acid esters of polyethoxylatedsorbitol (TWEEN®), polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids fromsources such as castor oil (EMULFOR®); polyethoxylated fatty acid (e.g.,stearic acid available under the name SIMULSOL M-53®), polyethoxylatedisooctylphenol/formaldehyde polymer (TYLOXAPOL®), polyoxyethylene fattyalcohol ethers (BRIJ®); polyoxyethylene nonphenyl ethers (TRITON® N),polyoxyethylene isooctylphenyl ethers (TRITON® X).

Generally speaking, the surfactant, or the combination of surfactants,if two or more surfactants are used, is present in the emulsion in anamount of 0.01% to 10% by volume, preferably, 0.1% to 6.0%, morepreferably 0.2% to 5.0%.

As used herein, “a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier” includes any andall solvents, dispersion media, coatings, adjuvants, stabilizing agents,diluents, preservatives, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonicagents, adsorption delaying agents, and the like. The carrier(s) must be“acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other componentsof the compositions and not deleterious to the subject. Typically, thecarriers will be will be sterile and pyrogen-free, and selected based onthe mode of administration to be used. It is well known by those skilledin the art that the preferred formulations for the pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier which comprise the compositions are thosepharmaceutical carriers approved in the applicable regulationspromulgated by the United States (US) Department of Agriculture or USFood and Drug Administration, or equivalent government agency in anon-US country. Therefore, the pharmaceutically accepted carrier forcommercial production of the compositions is a carrier that is alreadyapproved or will be approved by the appropriate government agency in theUS or foreign country.

The compositions optionally can include compatible pharmaceuticallyacceptable (i.e., sterile or non-toxic) liquid, semisolid, or soliddiluents that serve as pharmaceutical vehicles, excipients, or media.Diluents can include water, saline, dextrose, ethanol, glycerol, and thelike. Isotonic agents can include sodium chloride, dextrose, mannitol,sorbitol, and lactose, among others. Stabilizers include albumin, amongothers.

The compositions can also contain antibiotics or preservatives,including, for example, gentamicin, merthiolate, or chlorocresol. Thevarious classes of antibiotics or preservatives from which to select arewell known to the skilled artisan.

Preparation of the Compositions Preparation of Adjuvant Formulations

An ISCOM can be prepared by combining a saponin, a sterol, and aphospholipid. For example, an ISCOM can contain 5% to 10% by weight QuilA, 1% to 5% cholesterol and phospholipids, and the remainder protein.The ratio of saponin to sterol in the adjuvant formulations willtypically be in the order of from 1:100 weight to weight (w/w) to 5:1w/w. In some embodiments, excess sterol is present, wherein the ratio ofsaponin to sterol is at least 1:2 w/w, or 1:5 w/w. In other embodiments,the saponin is in excess in relation to the sterol, and a ratio ofsaponin to sterol of about 5:1 w/w is used. ISCOM and ISCOMATRIX arecommercially available from Isconova AB (Sweden).

In some embodiments, CARBOPOL® is used in combination with DDA in anamount of at least 0.1 part by weight of CARBOPOL® per part by weight ofDDA. In other embodiments, at least 0.5 part by weight of CARBOPOL® perpart by weight of DDA is used. In still other embodiments, at least 1part by weight of CARBOPOL® per part by weight of DDA is used. Thecombination of CARBOPOL® and DDA forms a complex whereby the DDAtertiary amine functional group immunofunctionalizes the carboxylic acidside groups on the polymer. This allows for specific immune cells totarget the antigen and adjuvant simultaneously and co-deliver theantigen and adjuvant together at the optimal time and concentration tothe said cells.

The adjuvants described herein will generally not require any specificcarrier, and will be formulated in an aqueous or other pharmaceuticallyacceptable buffer. In some cases, the vaccines of the disclosedembodiments will be presented in a suitable vehicle, such as forexample, additional liposomes, microspheres or encapsulated antigenparticles. The antigen can be contained within the vesicle membrane orcontained outside the vesicle membrane. Generally, soluble antigens areoutside and hydrophobic or lipidated antigens are either containedinside or outside the membrane.

The adjuvant compositions can be made in various forms depending uponthe route of administration, storage requirements, and the like. Forexample, they can be made in the form of sterile aqueous solutions ordispersions suitable for injectable use, or made in lyophilized formsusing freeze-drying, vacuum-drying, or spray-drying techniques.Lyophilized compositions can be reconstituted prior to use in astabilizing solution, e.g., saline or HEPES. Thus, the adjuvantcompositions can be used as a solid, semi-solid, or liquid dosage form.

The adjuvants can be manufactured using techniques known in the art. Forexample, the saponin and cholesterol may be admixed in a suitabledetergent, followed by a solvent extraction technique to form liposomesor ISCOMs. The saponin and cholesterol may also be combined to formhelical micelles as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,122,191.

Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) may be used as the aqueous buffermedium; the pH of the buffer may be neutral or slightly alkaline orslightly acidic. Accordingly, the pH can be in a range of pH 6 to 8. ApH of about 7.0 to about 7.3 is common. The strength of the buffer canbe between 10 to 50 mM PO₄ and between 10 to 150 mM PO₄. In one example,0.063% PBS is used. The pH can be adjusted using NaOH or HCl as needed.Typical concentrations include from 1N to 10N HCl and 1N to 10N NaOH.

The quantity of adjuvant used depends on the antigen with which it isused and the antigen dosage to be applied. It is also dependent on theintended species and the desired formulation. Usually the quantity iswithin the range conventionally used for adjuvants. For example,adjuvants typically comprises from about 1 μg to about 1000 μg,inclusive, of a 1-mL dose. Similarly, antibiotics typically comprisefrom about 1 μg to about 60 μg, inclusive, of a 1-mL dose.

The adjuvant formulations can be homogenized or microfluidized. Theformulations are subjected to a primary blending process, typically bypassage one or more times through one or more homogenizers. Anycommercially available homogenizer can be used for this purpose, e.g.,Ross emulsifier (Hauppauge, N.Y.), Gaulin homogenizer (Everett, Mass.),or Microfluidics (Newton, Mass.). In one embodiment, the formulationsare homogenized for three minutes at 10,000 rpm. Microfluidization canbe achieved by use of a commercial mirofluidizer, such as model number11OY available from Microfluidics, (Newton, Mass.); Gaulin Model 30CD(Gaulin, Inc., Everett, Mass.); and Rainnie Minilab Type 8.30H (MiroAtomizer Food and Dairy, Inc., Hudson, Wis.). These microfluidizersoperate by forcing fluids through small apertures under high pressure,such that two fluid streams interact at high velocities in aninteraction chamber to form compositions with droplets of a submicronsize. In one embodiment, the formulations are microfluidized by beingpassed through a 200 micron limiting dimension chamber at 10,000+/−500psi.

The adjuvant compositions described herein can be both homogenized andmicrofluidized. In one embodiment, an antigen is added to an appropriatebuffer. The solution is stirred, and a saponin is slowly added to theantigen solution. A sterol is then slowly added to the antigen/saponinsolution, followed by the slow addition of a quaternary ammoniumcompound to the antigen/saponin/sterol solution. The resultingcomposition is homogenized, and then microfluidized. Aftermicrofluidization, a polymer is added to microfluidized composition.Depending on the components used, the order of these steps can bealtered to optimize preparation of the compositions.

Preparation of Immunogenic and Vaccine Compositions

The adjuvant compositions described herein can be used in themanufacture of immunogenic and vaccine compositions. For vaccine orimmunogenic compositions, each dose contains a therapeutically effectiveamount of an antigen or antigens which can vary depending on the age andgeneral condition of the subject, the route of administration, thenature of the antigen, and other factors. The amounts and concentrationsof the other components in the vaccine or immunogenic compositions maybe adjusted to modify the physical and chemical properties of thecomposition, and can readily be determined by the skilled artisan. Anadvantageous feature of the adjuvant compositions is that they areentirely configurable depending on the desired characteristics of thecomposition. For example, if a greater Th1 response is desired, theamount of the Th1 stimulator can be increased. Likewise, if a greaterTh2 response is desired, the amount of the Th2 stimulator can beincreased. A balanced Th1/Th2 response can also be achieved. Theimmunogenic and vaccine compositions can also be homogenized ormicrofluidized as described above.

Administration and Use of the Compositions Administration of theCompositions

Dose sizes of the compositions typically range from about 1 mL to about5 mL, inclusive, depending on the subject and the antigen. For example,for a canine or feline, a dose of about 1 mL is typically used, while incattle a dose of about 2-5 mL is typically used. However, theseadjuvants also can be formulated in microdoses, wherein doses of about100 μL can be used.

The routes of administration for the adjuvant compositions includeparenteral, oral, oronasal, intranasal, intratracheal, topical, and inova. Any suitable device may be used to administer the compositions,including syringes, droppers, needleless injection devices, patches, andthe like. The route and device selected for use will depend on thecomposition of the adjuvant, the antigen, and the subject, and such arewell known to the skilled artisan.

Use of the Compositions

One of the requirements for any vaccine adjuvant preparation forcommercial use is to establish the stability of the adjuvant solutionfor long periods of storage. Provided herein are adjuvant formulationsthat are easy to manufacture and stable for at least 18 months. In oneembodiment, the formulations are stable for about 18 months. In anotherembodiment, the formulations are stable for between about 18 to about 24months. In another embodiment the formulations are stable for about 24months. Accelerated testing procedures also indicate that theformulations described herein are stable.

An advantageous feature of the present adjuvant compositions is thatthey can be safely and effectively administered to a wide range ofsubjects. In the art, it is expected that combinations of adjuvants willdemonstrate more reactogenicity than the individual components. However,the compositions described herein show decreased reactogenicity whencompared to compositions in which any one or two of the components areused, while the adjuvant effect is maintained. It has also beensurprisingly found that the adjuvant compositions described hereindemonstrate safety improvements when compared with other adjuvantcompositions.

The adjuvant compositions described herein are useful for producing adesired immune response in a subject. They are efficacious in multiplespecies. A suitable subject is any animal for which the administrationof an adjuvant composition is desired. It includes mammals andnon-mammals, including primates, livestock, companion animals,laboratory test animals, captive wild animals, ayes (including in ova),reptiles, and fish. Thus, this term includes but is not limited tomonkeys, humans, swine; cattle, sheep, goats, equines, mice, rats,guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, felines, canines, chickens, turkeys,ducks, other poultry, frogs, and lizards.

The adjuvants described herein can be used to show serologicaldifferentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Thus, they canbe used in a marker vaccine in which the antigen in the vaccine elicitsin the vaccinated animals a different antibody pattern from that of thewild-type virus. A marker vaccine is generally used in conjunction witha companion diagnostic test which measures the difference in antibodypatterns and demonstrates which animals have been vaccinated and whichanimals are infected with the wild-type virus. Such technology is usefulin the control and eradication of viruses from a subject population.

The following examples are presented as illustrative embodiments, butshould not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Manychanges, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications ofthis invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Quil A/Cholesterol (QC) Solutions

Quil A (Superfos) was dissolved in water and a 50 mg/ml stock solutionwas prepared. Cholesterol, (Fabri Chem. Inc.) was dissolved in ethanoland an 18 mg/ml stock solution was prepared. The cholesterol stocksolution then was filtered using a 0.2-micron filter.

Range of Quil A and Cholesterol concentrations in the variousformulations was as low as 1/1 ug/ml of Quil A to cholesterol to as highas 1000/1000 ug/mL. To prepare a Quil A/Cholesterol stock solution of50/50 μg/mL, the Quil A stock solution was diluted with water to aconcentration of 50 μg/mL. While stirring this solution, the cholesterolstock solution was slowly added to a final concentration of 50 μg/mL.

Example 2 DDA (D) Solutions

Dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA; Fluka Analytical), wasdissolved in ethanol, and an 18 mg/ml stock solution was prepared. TheDDA stock solution was filtered using a 0.2-micron filter.

Example 3 Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA (QCD) Solutions

A Quil A/Cholesterol stock solution was prepared as in Example 1 to thedesired concentrations. A DDA stock solution as prepared in Example 2and slowly added to the Quil A/cholesterol stock solution. The solutionswere mixed to achieve the desired final concentrations. The pH of thesolution was adjusted with NaOH or HCl as needed to reach the desiredfinal pH, which generally was in a range of about 6.9 to about 7.5.

Example 4 CARBOPOL® (C) Solutions

CARBOPOL® (Noveon, Mexico) was dissolved in deionized water and a 1.5%stock solution was prepared. In another embodiment, CARBOPOL® wasdissolved in deionized water and a 0.75% stock solution was prepared.

Example 5 DDA/CARBOPOL® (DC) Solutions

A DDA stock solution was prepared as in Example 2. A 0.75% CARBOPOL®stock solution was prepared as in Example 4. The solutions were mixed toachieve the desired final concentrations.

Example 6 Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA/CARBOPOLO (QCDC) Solutions

A Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA stock solution was prepared as in Example 3. A0.75% CARBOPOL® stock solution was prepared as in Example 4. TheCARBOPOL® stock solution was slowly added to the Quil A/Cholesterol/DDAstock solution to achieve the desired final concentration. The pH of thesolution was adjusted with NaOH or HCl to reach the desired final pH,which generally was in a range of about 6.9 to about 7.5.

Example 7 Bay R1005® (R) Solutions

To prepare a Bay R1005® stock solution, the glycolipidN-(2-deoxy-2-L-leucylamino-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-octadecyldodecanoylamidewas dissolved in ethanol (60% v/v). Tween 20 and glacial acetic acidwere then added. In one example, 3.49 gm ofN-(2-deoxy-2-L-leucylamino-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-octadecyldodecanoylamidewas dissolved in 44.64 mL of ethanol/water (60% v/v). This was combinedwith 1.12 mL of Tween 20 and 0.68 mL of glacial acetic acid.

Example 8 Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA/CARBOPOL®/Bay R1005® (QCDCR) Solutions

A Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA/CARBOPOL® stock solution was prepared as inExample 6. A Bay R1005® stock solution was prepared as in Example 7. TheBay R1005® solution was slowly added to the QuilA/Cholesterol/DDA/CARBOPOL® solution to achieve the desired finalconcentration. The pH of the solution was adjusted with NaOH or HCl asneeded to reach the desired final pH, which generally was in a range ofabout 6.9 to about 7.5.

Example 9 DEAE Dextran Solutions (X)

A DEAE Dextran (X) stock solution was prepared by dissolving 200 mg/mlof DEAE Dextran into water. The solution can be autoclaved for about 20minutes at 120° Centigrade (C).

Example 10 Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA/DEAE Solutions (QCDX)

A Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA stock solution was prepared according toExample 3. A DEAE stock solution was prepared according to Example 9.The solutions were combined by adding them directly into a homogenizer.Mixing employs a flash blending method using a shear force of greaterthan 1,000 sec⁻¹. Mixing is done by feeding the aqueous solutiondirectly into the oil phase containing the nonpolar adjuvants andantigen components and blending until a homogeneous stable mixture isachieved. Typically this can be a minimum of several minutes or longerdepending on the desired particle size.

Example 11 Oil Compositions (O)

An Oil stock solution was prepared by combining Drakeol mineral oil withTween 85 and Span 85, heating to approximately 55° C. and then coolingand sterile filtering. This mixture would thus comprise the oil phasebase component for an oil based carrier. If Cholesterol and/or DDA wereselected to be a collaborating immunomodulator for one of thesecompositions it would then also be added to this mixture prior tofiltration, since they are soluble in the oil phase.

Example 12 Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA/DEAE/Oil Compositions (QCDXO)

A Quil A/Cholesterol/DDA/DEAE stock solution was prepared according toExample 10. An oil stock composition was prepared according to Example11. The solutions were a combination of Quil-A, DEAE-Dextran and waterto achieve the quantity at said concentrations. This aqueous phase wasmixed by continuously stirring the reaction for several minutes orlonger at room temperature or higher and then sterile filtered andstored for addition to the oil phase. The aqueous phase was slowly addedinto a continuously mixing oil phase.

Example 13 Preparation of Immunogenic Compositions or VaccineCompositions

To prepare an immunogenic composition or vaccine composition comprisingan antigen and one of the adjuvants described above, the desired antigenwas added to an appropriate buffer. Then the components of the desiredadjuvant were added as described above. The resulting solution wasbrought to final volume with the buffer.

Example 13a Antigen, Quil A, Cholesterol, DDA, CARBOPOL®

To prepare an immunogenic composition or vaccine composition comprisingan antigen, Quil A, cholesterol, DDA, and CARBOPOL®, the desired antigenwas added to an appropriate buffer. A Quil A stock solution was preparedas in Example 1 and slowly added to the antigen solution. A cholesterolstock solution was prepared as in Example 1 and was slowly added to theantigen/Quil A solution. A DDA stock solution was prepared as in Example2 and slowly added to the antigen/Quil A/cholesterol solution. Theantigen/Quil A/cholesterol/DDA solution was homogenized andmicrofluidized. A 0.75% CARBOPOL® solution was prepared as in Example 4.After microfluidization, the CARBOPOL® solution (0.05% v/v) was added tomicrofluidized composition and pH was adjusted with NaOH or HCl to about6.9 to about 7.5.

Example 13b Antigen, Quil A, Cholesterol, DDA, CARBOPOL®, Bay R1005®

To prepare an immunogenic composition or vaccine composition comprisingan antigen, Quil A, cholesterol, DDA, CARBOPOL®, and Bay R1005®, thedesired antigen was added to an appropriate buffer. A Quil A stocksolution was prepared as in Example 1 and slowly added to the antigensolution. A cholesterol stock solution was prepared as in Example 1 andwas slowly added to the antigen/Quil A solution. A DDA stock solutionwas prepared as in Example 2 and slowly added to the antigen/QuilA/cholesterol solution. The antigen/Quil A/cholesterol/DDA solution washomogenized and microfluidized. A 0.75% CARBOPOL® solution was preparedas in Example 4. After microfluidization, the CARBOPOL® solution (0.05%v/v) was added to microfluidized composition and pH was adjusted withNaOH or HCl to about 6.9 to about 7.5. A Bay R1005® stock solution wasprepared as in Example 7. The Bay R1005® component was added to theaqueous phase after the DDA was added.

Example 13c Antigen, Quil A, Cholesterol, DDA, DEAE Dextran

To prepare an immunogenic composition or vaccine composition comprisingan antigen, Quil A, cholesterol, DDA, and DEAE dextran, the desiredantigen was added to an appropriate buffer. A Quil A stock solution wasprepared as in Example 1 and slowly added to the antigen solution. Thecomposition was homogenized. A cholesterol stock solution was preparedas in Example 1 and was slowly added to the antigen/Quil A solutionduring homogenization. A DDA stock solution was prepared as in Example 2and slowly added to the antigen/Quil A/cholesterol solution duringhomogenization. A DEAE dextran solution was prepared as in Example 9.During homogenization, the DEAE dextran solution was added and theresulting composition was brought to final volume.

Example 13d Antigen, Quil A, Cholesterol, DDA, DEAE Dextran, Oil

To prepare an immunogenic composition or vaccine composition comprisingan antigen, Quil A, cholesterol, DDA, DEAE dextran, and Oil, the desiredantigen was added to an appropriate buffer. A Quil A stock solution wasprepared as in Example 1 and slowly added to the antigen solution. Thecomposition was homogenized. A cholesterol stock solution was preparedas in Example 1 and was slowly added to the antigen/Quil A solutionduring homogenization. A DDA stock solution was prepared as in Example 2and slowly added to the antigen/Quil A/cholesterol solution duringhomogenization. A DEAE dextran solution was prepared as in Example 9.During homogenization, the DEAE dextran solution was added. An oilcomposition was prepared as in Example 11. During homogenization, theoil composition was added by feeding the aqueous phase into the oilphase while homogenizing and the resulting composition was brought tofinal volume.

Example 14 Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccines

Animals were randomly assigned to treatment groups using a randomizedcomplete block design. Table 1 shows the study design. The blocks werebased on date of birth and litter. Animals were sorted by date of birthand then litter. Blocks of four were used. Within a block, animals wererandomly assigned to treatment. For the vaccination phase of the study,two consecutive blocks were combined to form a group of eight animals.The groups of animals were randomly assigned to two rooms so that eachroom contained five groups (10 blocks) of animals. Within a group ofanimals, animals were randomly assigned to four cages located near eachother so that each cage contained two animals with the same treatment.For the challenge phase of the study, animals from one vaccination roomwere randomly assigned to either one or two challenge rooms. Thevaccination room selected to go into two challenge rooms, had fiveblocks randomized to each challenge room (2.5 groups; 20 animals). Theother challenge room contained 10 blocks (5 groups; 40 animals). Withina challenge room, animals in the same block were randomly assigned tofour cages located near each other.

The vaccines for this study were prepared as in Example 13 except that a1.5% CARBOPOL® stock solution was used. Specifically, LEUKOCELL® 2(Pfizer, Inc.) was prepared by propagating FeLV, subgroups A, B, and C,in FeLV-transformed lymphoid cells. Viral antigens were chemicallyinactivated, combined with a sterile adjuvant to enhance the immuneresponse, and packaged in liquid form. A total amount of 100 mL ofInvestigational Veterinary Product (IVP) containing the feline leukemiavirus and 25 μg Quil A/aluminum hydroxide (ALHYDROGEL®) was prepared. Atotal of 94.5 mL of a 1.106×10⁵ ng/mL FeLV stock solution was mixedslowly for 15 minutes. The pH was adjusted to 5.9 to 6.1 with 4N HCl or18% NaOH, if needed. While stirring, 0.5 mL of a 5.0 mg/mL solution ofQuil A was added to the antigen solution. Then, 5.0 mL of 100% v/vALHYDROGEL® was slowly added. The composition was stirred for a minimumof 2 hours at 4° C. The pH was adjusted to between 7.0 and 7.3 with 18%NaOH or 1N HCl, as needed.

The IVP comprising the feline leukemia virus and 37.5 μg Quil A/aluminumhydroxide (ALHYDROGEL®) was prepared in the same manner as for the 25 μgQuil A IVP but 7.5 ml of the Quil A stock solution was added to theantigen solution.

A total amount of 350 mL of Investigational Veterinary Product (IVP)containing the feline leukemia virus, Quil A, Cholesterol, DDA, andCARBOPOL® was prepared. While stirring 349.3 mL of a 1.106×10⁵ ng/mLFeLV stock solution, 0.14 mL of a 50.0 mg/mL solution of Quil A wasslowly added to the antigen solution. Then, 0.39 mL of an 18 mg/mLcholesterol/ethanol solution was slowly added. The composition washomogenized for three minutes at 10,000 rpm. A total of 0.19 mL of an18.0 mg/mL DDA/ethanol solution was added to the composition whilestirring. A total of 5.0 mL of a 1.5% CARBOPOL® solution was slowlyadded to 145.0 mL of the feline leukemia virus, Quil A, Cholesterol, andDDA composition. The pH was adjusted to between 7.0 and 7.3 with 18%NaOH or 1N HCl, as needed.

TABLE 1 Experimental Design Treat- Vaccination Phase Challenge PhaseSample ment Number of Vaccination Dose Challenge Dose Collection GroupIVP^(a) Animals Day (ml) Route Day (ml) Route Day T01 Saline 20 0, 211.0 SC^(c) 37, 40, 1.0 ON^(e) −2, 35, 64, 85, 42^(d), 44 106, 127, 134,141, 148, 155 T02 LEUKOCELL ® 20 0, 21 1.0 SC 37, 40, 1.0 ON −2, 35, 64,85, 2 25 μg Quil A/ 42^(d), 44 106, 127, 134, Al(OH)^(b) 141, 148, 155T03 LEUKOCELL ® 20 0, 21 1.0 SC 37, 40, 1.0 ON −2, 35, 64, 85, 2 37.5 μgQuil A/ 42^(d), 44 106, 127, 134, Al(OH)^(b) 141, 148, 155 T04Reformulated 20 0, 21 1.0 SC 37, 40, 1.0 ON −2, 35, 64, 85, LEUKOCELL ®42^(d), 44 106, 127, 134, 2 20 μg Quil A/ 141, 148, 155 Cholesterol/DDA/CARBOPOL ®^(b) ^(a)Investigational Veterinary Product ^(b)Blended tocontain a relative potency comparable to the reference vaccine (FeLVReference Lot No. 12) ^(c)SC = Subcutaneous ^(d)Depo-Medrol ®: Day 42(approximately 5.0 mg/kg) by the intramuscular route ^(e)ON = OronasalQuil A - Cholesterol = Saponin adjuvant Quil A, incorporated into lipidparticles of cholesterol CARBOPOL ® = Carbomer DDA =Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide

All animals were observed daily and observations were recorded. Bodytemperatures were recorded from all animals by the tympanic route on Day−1 prior to the first vaccine dose administration and on Day 20 prior tothe second vaccine dose administration. A blood sample (1.0-2.0 mL) wascollected from each animal by venipuncture of the jugular vein, on Day−2. Sedative doses of TELAZOL® (Fort Dodge Animal Health) wereadministered according to body weight (approximately 5.0 mg/kg) by theintramuscular route in order to minimize animal stress and to avoidinjury to animal handlers during blood collection. Blood was collectedin serum separation tubes (SST) and processed for serum separation.Serum was stored at −20° C. or colder until tested.

Placebo or FeLV vaccines were administered to kittens by thesubcutaneous route at a 1.0 mL dose. The first vaccination was performedon Day 0 and the second vaccine administration was performed on Day 21.All animals were observed for approximately one hour following the firstand second vaccinations for immediate local pain reactions (stingreactions). Observations were documented. Body temperatures of allanimals were measured by the tympanic route on Days 1 and 2 followingthe first vaccine dose administration, and on Days 22 and 23 followingthe second vaccine dose administration. Injection site reactions(swellings) were also determined on Day 1 after the first vaccinationand on Days 22 and 23 after the second vaccination. A blood sample(1.0-2.0 mL) was collected from each animal by venipuncture of thejugular vein, on Day 35, processed for serum separation, and stored at−20° C. or colder until tested.

On Day 35, animals were placed into individual isolation cages. Thechallenge virus was virulent Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Rickardstrain, titered at approximately 10^(6.1) TCID50/mL. The FeLV challengematerial was thawed and kept on wet ice prior to administration. Animalswere challenged on Days 37, 40, 42, and 44, by administering 1.0 mL bythe nasal route of undiluted challenge material. A 1 mL tuberculinsyringe, without the needle, was filled with the challenge material.Each kitten was administered approximately 0.5 mL per nostril. On Day42, challenge administration was performed approximately 5 h postDEPO-MEDROL® administration. After each day of challenge, a sample ofthe challenge material was retained for confirmatory titration.

Post-challenge, a blood sample (1.0-2.0 mL) was collected from eachanimal by venipuncture of the jugular vein, on Days 64, 85, 106, 127,134, 141, 148, and 155. Sedative doses of TELAZOL® (Fort Dodge) wereadministered as described above. Blood was collected in serum separationtubes (SST), processed for serum separation, and stored at −20° C. orcolder until tested. Serum samples were tested for the presence of FeLVp27 antigen (marker of FeLV infection) by ELISA (IDEXX; Westbrook, Me.).Final results were evaluated by intensity of color development and byspectrophotometer at an optical density of 405/490 nm. For a valid test,the positive control optical density had to fall between 0.131 and 2.999and the negative control should had optical density below or equal to0.0039.

Virus isolation was performed using serum samples collected on Days −2and 35. Serum samples from Days 127 through 155 were considered toevaluate FeLV vaccine efficacy. Serum samples from Day 127 (week 12),Day 134 (week 13), Day 141 (week 14), Day 148 (week 15) and Day 155(week 16) were tested for the presence of FeLV p27 antigen. An animalwas considered persistently infected if it had three or more positiveFeLV p27 antigen test results during Days 127 (week 12) through 155(week 16).

Temperatures were analyzed using a general linear repeated measuresmixed model, and pair-wise treatment comparisons were made betweentreatment T01 and treatments T02, T03, and T04 at each time point if theoverall treatment and/or treatment by time point effect was significant.Least squares means, 95% confidence intervals, minimums and maximumswere calculated for each treatment at each time point.

Frequency distributions of the presence of sting reactions werecalculated for each treatment and time point data were collected.Frequency distributions of the presence of injection site swellings werecalculated for each treatment and time point data were collected.Frequency distributions of the presence of post-vaccination systemicreactions were calculated for each treatment.

Immediate reactions were not observed in any of the treatment groupsduring first and second vaccination. Adverse reactions were not observedin any of the treatment groups at approximately one hour post first andsecond vaccinations. Neither pyrexia (body temperature ≧39.5° C.) norhypothermia (body temperature <37.0° C.) was observed in any of thetreatment groups after the first and second vaccinations. There were nosignificant differences in mean body temperature between treatmentgroups at any time point (p>0.08). Injection site swellings were notobserved in any of the treatment groups after first and secondvaccinations.

Final results from week 12 to week 16 post-challenge indicated that 16out of 19 animals (84%) that received the placebo vaccine (T01 group)were persistently viremic to FeLV. 13 out of 19 animals (68%) in the T02group were protected from FeLV virulent challenge. The level ofprotection was statistically significant (p=0.0004) compared to theplacebo vaccinated kittens. 12 out of 19 animals (63%) in the T03 groupwere protected from FeLV virulent challenge. The level of protection wasstatistically significant (p=0.0013) compared to the placebo vaccinatedkittens. 19 out of 20 animals (95%) in the T04 group were protected fromFeLV virulent challenge. The level of protection was statisticallysignificant (p=0.0001) compared to the placebo vaccinated kittens.

Thus, the vaccines administered to the T02, T03 and T04 groups were alldemonstrated to be safe in kittens at the minimum age when administeredat a two-dose regimen, three weeks apart. Additionally, the vaccinesadministered to these groups were also able to significantly reduce thelevel of FeLV persistent viremia in kittens at the minimum age whenadministered at a two-dose regimen, three weeks apart. There was astatistically significant reduction in the establishment of FeLVpersistent viremia in kittens in the T02, T03 and T04 groups.Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference betweenT04 and the other vaccine groups (T02, T03). It was surprising andunexpected that vaccines containing the novel adjuvant formulationproved to be more efficacious that those containing adjuvant componentscommonly used in cats.

Example 15 Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccines

Kittens were acclimated for sixteen days after arrival. Animals werethen randomly assigned to a room, and within a room, were randomlyassigned to treatments (1 animal per treatment in each room). A bloodsample (1.0-2.0 mL) was collected from each animal by venipuncture ofthe jugular vein on Study Day −1. Sedative doses of TELAZOL® (Fort DodgeAnimal Health) were administered according to body weight (approximately5.0 mg/kg) by the intramuscular route in order to minimize animal stressand to avoid injury to animal handlers during blood collection. Bloodwas collected in serum separation tubes and processed for serumseparation. All animals were also observed daily, and observations wererecorded.

Vaccines were prepared as in Example 13 except that a 1.5% CARBOPOL®Stock solution was used. LEUKOCELL® 2 was prepared by propagating FeLV,subgroups A, B, and C, in FeLV-transformed lymphoid cells. Viralantigens were chemically inactivated, combined with a sterile adjuvantto enhance the immune response, and packaged in liquid form. A totalamount of 500.0 mL of IVP containing the feline leukemia virus at arelative potency (RP) of 2, Quil A, Cholesterol, and DDA was prepared inthe following manner. A total of 20.7 mL of a FeLV stock solution (50.0RP/mL where 1 RP=3,624 ng/mL of antigen) was added to 478.2 mL 0.063%PBS buffer. While stirring, 0.21 mL of a 50.0 mg/mL solution of Quil Awas slowly added to the antigen solution. Then, 0.58 mL of an 18 mg/mLcholesterol/ethanol solution was slowly added. A total of 0.29 mL of an18.0 mg/mL DDA/ethanol solution was slowly added to the compositionwhile stirring. The composition was homogenized for three minutes at10,000 rpm. The composition was then microfluidized by one pass througha 200 micron limiting dimension chamber at 10,000 (+500) psi. Whilestirring, 10.0 mL of a 1.5% CARBOPOL® solution was slowly added to 290.0mL of the feline leukemia virus, Quil A, Cholesterol, and DDAcomposition. The pH was adjusted to between 7.0 and 7.3 with 18% NaOH or1N HCl, as needed.

The IVP containing the feline leukemia virus at a RP of 5 was preparedin the same manner as the IVP with a RP of 2 using 51.7 mL of the FeLVstock solution and 447.2 mL 0.063% PBS buffer, with the amounts of theother components remaining the same.

The IVP containing the feline leukemia virus at a RP of 10 was preparedin the same manner as the IVP with a RP of 2 using 93.1 mL of the FeLVstock solution, 355.9 mL 0.063% PBS buffer, 0.19 mL of the Quil Asolution, 0.52 mL of the cholesterol solution, and 0.26 mL of the DDAsolution (450 mL total volume). Then, 8.3 mL of a 1.5% CARBOPOL®solution was slowly added to 241.7 mL of the feline leukemia virus, QuilA, Cholesterol, and DDA composition.

The IVP containing the feline leukemia virus at a RP of 15 was preparedin the same manner as the IVP with a RP of 10 using 139.7 mL of the FeLVstock solution and 309.4 mL 0.063% PBS buffer, with the amounts of theother components remaining the same.

The IVP containing the feline leukemia virus at a RP of 20 was preparedin the same manner as the IVP with a RP of 2 using 206.9 mL of the FeLVstock solution and 292.0 mL 0.063% PBS buffer, with the amounts of theother components remaining the same.

For administering a 0.5 mL dose, 300.0 mL of IVP containing the felineleukemia virus at a RP of 5, Quil A, Cholesterol, DDA, and CARBOPOL® wasprepared in the following manner. A total of 21.7 mL of a FeLV stocksolution (35.8 RP/mL where 1 RP=1,864 μg/mL of antigen) was added to277.7 mL 0.063% PBS buffer. While stirring, 0.12 mL of a 50.0 mg/mLsolution of Quil A was slowly added to the antigen solution. Then, 0.35mL of an 18 mg/mL cholesterol/ethanol solution was slowly added. A totalof 0.17 mL of an 18.0 mg/mL DDA/ethanol solution was slowly added to thecomposition while stirring. The composition was homogenized for threeminutes at 10,000 rpm. The composition was then microfluidized by onepass through a 200 micron limiting dimension chamber at 10,000 (+500)psi. While stirring, 3.3 mL of a 1.5% CARBOPOL® solution was slowlyadded to 96.7 mL of the feline leukemia virus, Quil A, Cholesterol, andDDA composition. The pH was adjusted to between 7.0 and 7.3 with 18%NaOH or 1N HCl, as needed.

The IVP for administering a 1.0 mL dose of the feline leukemia virus ata RP of 5, Quil A, Cholesterol, DDA, and CARBOPOL® was prepared in thesame manner as for the 0.5 mL dose with the amounts adjustedappropriately.

A total amount of 300.0 mL of IVP containing the feline leukemia virusat a RP of 10 and CARBOPOL® was prepared. A total of 62.1 mL of a FeLVstock solution (50.0 RP/mL where 1 RP=3,624 μg/mL of antigen) was addedto 237.9 mL 0.063% PBS buffer. The composition was homogenized for threeminutes at 10,000 rpm. The composition was then microfluidized by onepass through a 200 micron limiting dimension chamber at 10,000 (+500)psi. While stirring, 3.3 mL of a 1.5% CARBOPOL® solution was slowlyadded to 96.7 mL of the feline leukemia virus composition. The pH wasadjusted to between 7.0 and 7.3 with 18% NaOH or 1N HCl, as needed.

Placebo and FeLV vaccines (Table 2) were administered to kittens by thesubcutaneous route using a 22 gauge×¾″ needle and 3 cc syringe on StudyDay 0 and Study Day 20. Treatment group T01 was administered the placebovaccine at a 1.0 mL dose. Treatment groups T02, T04, T05, T06, T07, T08and T09 were administered the FeLV vaccines at a 1.0 mL dose. Treatmentgroup T03 was administered the FeLV vaccine at a 0.5 mL dose. Treatmentgroup T10 was administered the FeLV canarypox vaccine (Merial) by theintradermal route using an intradermal gun injector.

TABLE 2 Experimental Design Treat- Target Cell Culture ment NumberRelative Route of Media Group Animals Potency Vaccination VaccineAdjuvant (Harvest Bulk) T01 10 N.A. SC PBS No Adjuvant Normal Saline T0210  5 RP SC Inactivated Quil A - RPMI FeLV Cholesterol DDA - CARBOPOL ®T03 10  5 RP SC/0.5 mL Inactivated Quil A - RPMI FeLV Cholesterol DDA -CARBOPOL ® T04 10 20 RP SC Inactivated Quil A - Cellgro FeLV CholesterolDDA - CARBOPOL ® T05 10 15 RP SC Inactivated Quil A - Cellgro FeLVCholesterol DDA - CARBOPOL ® T06 10 10 RP SC Inactivated Quil A -Cellgro FeLV Cholesterol DDA - CARBOPOL ® T07 10  5 RP SC InactivatedQuil A - Cellgro FeLV Cholesterol DDA - CARBOPOL ® T08 10  2 RP SCInactivated Quil A - Cellgro FeLV Cholesterol DDA - CARBOPOL ® T09 10 10RP SC Inactivated CARBOPOL ® Cellgro FeLV T10 10 Live rFeLV ID LiverFeLV No Adjuvant Proprietary (Merial) (Merial) (Merial)

All animals were observed following first vaccination (Study Day 0) andsecond vaccination (Study Day 20) for signs of pain upon test vaccineadministration including vocalization, scratching/biting and aggressiveor escape attempt. Post-vaccination attitude (normal or abnormal) wasalso documented. All animals were observed for approximately one hourafter vaccine administration on Study Day O and Study Day 20 for thedevelopment of adverse systemic reactions. Observations were documented.The vaccination sites were palpated, and pain at injection site, rednessat injection site, injection site swelling and size of swelling wererecorded. Observations were performed on Study Days 2, 5 and 9 after thefirst vaccination, and on Study Days 25, 28 and 32 after the secondvaccination. Observations were documented.

A blood sample (1.0-2.0 mL) was collected from each animal byvenipuncture of the jugular vein on Study Day 32 (pre-challenge).Animals were challenged on Study Days 34, 36, 39, and 41 byadministering 1.0 mL by the nasal route of undiluted challenge material.A 1 mL tuberculin syringe, without the needle, was filled with thechallenge material. Each kitten was given approximately 0.5 mL pernostril. The FeLV challenge material had an average titer of 10⁶¹TCID₅₀/mL. A blood sample (1.0-2.0 mL) was then collected from eachanimal by venipuncture of the jugular vein on Study Days 61, 83, 106,126, 133, 138, 146, and 152.

Results—Safety

During the first (Study Day 0) vaccination, three animals in treatmentgroup T09 demonstrated immediate sting-type reactions. During the secondvaccination (Study Day 20), one animal from treatment group T05, fourfrom treatment group T08, and two from treatment group T09 demonstratedimmediate sting-type reactions.

During the first vaccination, three animals from treatment group T09demonstrated minor vocalization. The animals presenting pain at firstvaccination also presented minor vocalization at that time. During thesecond vaccination, one animal from treatment group T05, four fromtreatment group T08, and two from treatment group T09 demonstrated minorvocalization. The animals presenting pain at second vaccination alsopresented minor vocalization at that time.

During the first vaccination, three animals in treatment group T09demonstrated aggressive behavior/attempt to escape. During the secondvaccination, one animal from treatment group T05, four from treatmentgroup T08, and two from treatment group T09 demonstrated aggressivebehavior/attempt to escape.

None of the treatment groups presented scratching/biting at injectionsite upon first or second vaccination. Injection site reactions were notobserved in any of the treatment groups post first or secondvaccination. Adverse reactions were also not observed in any of thetreatment groups.

Results—Efficacy

All animals tested negative prior to vaccination for FeLV p27 antigenfrom serum samples collected on Day −1. All animals also tested negativeprior to challenge for FeLV p27 antigen from serum samples collected onDay 32.

Final results from week 12 to week 16 post-challenge (Table 3) indicatedthat 9 out of 10 animals (90%) in treatment group T01 (placebo) werepersistently viremic to FeLV. Results from the same period indicatedthat 6 out of 10 animals (60%) in treatment group T02 were protectedfrom FeLV virulent challenge; this level of protection was notstatistically significant (p=0.0573) compared to the placebo vaccinatedkittens. Nine out of 10 animals (90%) in treatment group T03 wereprotected from FeLV virulent challenge; this level of protection wasstatistically significant (p=0.0011) compared to the placebo vaccinatedkittens. 10 out of 10 animals (100%) in treatment group T04 wereprotected from FeLV virulent challenge; this level of protection wasstatistically significant (p=0.0001) compared to the placebo vaccinatedkittens. 10 out of 10 animals (100%) in treatment group T05 wereprotected from FeLV virulent challenge; this level of protection wasstatistically significant (p=0.0001) compared to the placebo vaccinatedkittens. 7 out of 10 animals (70%) in treatment group T06 were protectedfrom FeLV virulent challenge; this level of protection was statisticallysignificant (p=0.0198) compared to the placebo vaccinated kittens. 10out of 10 animals (100%) in treatment group T07 were protected from FeLVvirulent challenge; this level of protection was statisticallysignificant (p=0.0001) compared to the placebo vaccinated kittens. 8 outof 10 animals (80%) in treatment group T08 were protected from FeLVvirulent challenge; this level of protection was statisticallysignificant (p=0.0055) compared to the placebo vaccinated kittens. 5 outof 10 animals (50%) in treatment group T09 were protected from FeLVvirulent challenge; this level of protection was not statisticallysignificant (p=0.1409) compared to the placebo vaccinated kittens.Finally, 6 out of 10 animals (60%) in treatment group T10 were protectedfrom FeLV virulent challenge; this level of protection was notstatistically significant (p=0.0573) compared to the placebo vaccinatedkittens.

TABLE 3 Summary of Level of Protection Vaccine Treatment Relative Levelof Preventive Group Potency Protection Fraction T01 NA 10% T02 4.58 60%55.6% T03 4.58 90% 88.9% T04 26.32 100%  100% T05 18.58 100%  100% T0611.16 70% 66.7% T07 4.77 100%  100% T08 1.64 80% 77.8% T09 11.12 50%44.4%

The vaccines used in treatment groups T02, T03, T04, T06 and T07demonstrated a satisfactory safety profile during the first vaccination,as no reactions were observed at that time. A single animal in treatmentgroup T05 demonstrated an immediate reaction (pain at administration,minor vocalization and aggressive/escape attempt) at the secondvaccination. This event might be associated with an exacerbated responseto vaccination for the particular animal rather than to a vaccineformulation problem. All vaccines demonstrated a satisfactory safetyprofile post-vaccination, since neither local reactions nor adverseevents related to vaccination were observed.

FeLV vaccines administered to treatment groups T03, T04, T05, T07 andT08 demonstrated satisfactory efficacy, since ≧80% protection (≧75%preventive fraction) was achieved after challenge with virulent FeLV.That the vaccine given to group T07 provided 100% protection issurprising and unexpected, as animals in that group received 25% and 33%of the antigen dose of animals in groups T04 and T05, respectively. Aclear advantage of the adjuvants disclosed and tested herein is thatthey allow for a smaller dose of antigen to be used, while stillinducing a fully protective immune response. Vaccines administered totreatment groups T02, T06 and T09 demonstrated a somewhat decreasedefficacy (<80% protection; preventive fraction <75%) following challengewith virulent FeLV. The decreased efficacy of the vaccine administeredto treatment group T02 was possibly do to the presence of low responderanimals in that group.

Example 16 In Ovo Vaccination against Eimeria in Chickens

Avian coccidiosis is an intestinal disease generally caused by protozoaof the genus Eimeria, and represents a serious worldwide problem for thepoultry industry. Parasites ingested during feeding localize to theintestinal tract where they cause serious damage to intestinal andunderlying tissues. Resultant economic losses to the poultry industryare very significant, since feed conversion and weight gain of bothbroiler and egg-laying birds are impaired. A general summation of thestate of the art, including attempts to vaccinate against Eimeria using,for example, recombinant Eimeria proteins as antigen and a variety ofadjuvant systems, are described in the following publications, all ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein, as if fully set forth, (1)H. S. Lillehoj et al., J. Parisitol, 91(3), 2005, pp. 666-673; (2) H. S.Lillehoj et al., Avian Diseases, 49 2005, 112-117; and (3) R. A. Dalloulet al., Expert Rev. Vaccines, 5(1), 2006, pp. 143-163. The presentExample is directed to the use of novel vaccine compositions that employadjuvant components that provide superior performance in the context ofcoccidiosis.

The highly effective adjuvants of the present invention may be used incombination with antigenic material from all Eimeria species, includingpurified or partially purified protein extracts thereof, or by way ofone or more recombinantly expressed proteins thereof, or fragments ofany and all such proteins, thus to include antigenic materials providedfrom Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria ahsata, Eimeria bovis, Eimeriabrunetti, Eimeria fraterculae, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria meleagridis,Eimeria mitis, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria stiedae,Eimeria tenella, and Eimeria zurnii, among others.

The adjuvanted vaccine of the invention may be provided against anyprotein or macromolecule that is produced at one or more points in thelife cycle of the protozoan, including, without limitation, oocyst(whether sporulated or unsporulated), sporocyst, sporozoite, schizont,merozoite, male or female gamete cells. In a preferred example, proteinsthat are shed into the feces in significant amounts in the oocyst stageare the preferred materials to act as the source of recombinant proteinantigen, or partially or wholly purified samples of such protein aspurified by conventional means.

Additional examples of Eimeria proteins useful as sources of antigen inthe formulation of the present vaccines include those as described byKarkhanis et al. Infection and Immunity, 1991, pp. 983-989, includingprotective antigens, as described therein, having a mass range of about20 to about 30 kDA. Additional example include the Eimeria 23 kDA 3-1Eprotein, and the Etp100 protein, for example as recovered from E.tenella.

The highly effective adjuvants of the present invention may be used incombination with antigenic material from Neurospora caninum.

Additionally, the highly effective adjuvants of the present inventionmay be used in combination with any of the following protozoanpathogens, Cryptosporidium parvum (cryptosporidiosis), Cyclosporacayetanensis (cyclosporiasis), Isospora belli (isosporiasis), Toxoplasmagondii (toxoplasmosis), Plasmodium (malaria), and Babesia spp.(babesiosis), and related protozoans, generally of the Apicomplexengroup causing these or related diseases.

The effectiveness of in ovo delivery of vaccines that contain particularadjuvant systems was evaluated as follows.

Materials and Methods: 1. Materials:

Recombinant E. maxima protein (of protein 3-1E) was expressed in E. coliand affinity-column purified. Crude preparation of whole cell E. maximamacromolecules (solubilized with detergent from disrupted cells) werealso used as antigen, with this crude antigen being referred to as “EM”.In a preferred example, the adjuvant was as described in Example 8above, and is prepared as provided according to that Example protocol(see Page 41). Therefore, in a typical example, each embryo wouldreceive an injection into the amnion (i.e. to include the amnionic fluidand space) of about 50 to about 100 microliters of vaccine solution,which, for each 1 ML thereof comprises: about 50 or 100 micrograms ofrecombinant 3-1E protein or other protein species, or alternatively,about 50 or 100 micrograms of crude cell “EM” extract; about 20micrograms Quil A; about 20 micrograms cholesterol; CARBOPOL at about0.075% (v/v); about 10 micrograms of DDA; and about 250 microgramsR1005, all provided in, for example, 20 mM PBS.

In connection with selection of the saponin for use herein, thefollowing additional information is instructive. The defined termsaponin refers to the plant derived glycosides, a number of which havebeen studied extensively for their biological properties (The PlantGlycosides, McIlroy, R. J., Edward Arnold and co., London, 1951). Thesaponins used most predominantly in the art for the production ofvaccines are those derived from the plants Quillaja saponaria molina,Aesculus hippocastanum or Gyophilla struthium. Extracts of the bark ofQuillaja saponaria molina which are known to have adjuvant activity areknown, for example Quil A Also pure fractions of Quil A have beendescribed which retain adjuvant activity whilst being less toxic thanQuil A, for example QS21. QS21 is also described in Kensil et al. (1991.J. Immunology vol 146, 431-437). When mixed with the further adjuvantingredients of the present invention, as heretofor and hereinafterdescribed, such saponin-containing materials become highly effectivematerials. Additional effective formulations include those that useEscin, which has been described in the Merck index (12th ed: entry 3737)as a mixture of saponins occurring in the seed of the horse chestnuttree. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, saponinrefers to “Quil-A” sold in the USA by E.M Sergeant company.

It should further understood that saponin extracts can be used asmixtures or purified individual components therefrom suchfractions/products including QS-7, QS-17, QS-18, and QS-21 fromAntigenics Company, Massachusetts, USA or similar crude, fractioned orrefined saponin products, and mixtures thereof offered by IsconovaCompany of Sweden. In one embodiment the Quil A is at least 85% pure. Inother embodiments, the Quil A is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% pure.

2. Embryo Vaccination:

Eggs were purchased from the Moyers Hatchery, Quakertown, Pa. For in ovoimmunization, broiler eggs were then incubated for 18 days, and candledto select (at 18 days of embryonation) fertile eggs, and then injectedwith 20 mM PBS and either adjuvant alone, or adjuvant formulated witheither recombinant 3-1E protein or an “EM” preparation. Injections weremade on an “Intelliject” in ovo injector (Avitech, Hebron, Md.)according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each egg received 100microliter samples into the amnionic cavity using a 17.5 cm-long18-gauge needle provided by Avitech (Hebron, Md.). 50 microliter dosesare also among those operable in the practice of the present invention.

3. Chickens:

As soon as broiler chickens were hatched (at about day 21-22), they weretransported to the laboratory using disposable chicken transportingcartons (Frederick Packaging, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.) and the chicks werethen housed in the Petersime units and provided with feed and water adlibitum.

Birds were kept in brooder pens in an Eimeria-free facility andtransferred into large hanging cages in separate locations where theywere infected with live oocysts of Eimeria maxima and kept there untilthe end of experimental period.

4. Parasites:

USDA BARC strain of Eimeria maxima #41, which has been maintained in theAnimal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory-BARC and propagated according tothe established procedure in Dr. Lillehoj's laboratory, was used. Thefreshly produced oocysts from the strain of E. maxima (Beltsville #41)were cleaned by floatation on 5% sodium hypochlorite, washed three timeswith PBS, and viability was enumerated by trypan blue using ahemocytometer.

5. Eimeria Challenge Infection:

Seven day-old birds were wing-tagged and the birds of all experimentalgroups except uninfected control groups were inoculated esophageallywith E. maxima using an inoculation needle, and were then placed intooocysts collection cages.

6. Body Weight Gain Determination:

Body weights of individual birds were determined at days 0 (uninfected),6 and 10 days post infection with E. maxima.

7. Assessment of Fecal Oocyst Production:

Animal caretakers were instructed not to clean the cages, and fecaldroppings were collected. Collecting pans were placed under each cagefor 5 days starting from the 6^(th) day post infection, and fecalmaterials were collected into large plastic jars (2 L). Fecal droppingssoaked with tap water in each jar were ground in a blender with morewater (total volume is 3 L), and two 40 ml random samples were takenfrom each sample and stored in refrigerator until they were counted. Inorder to count coccidia oocysts, various dilutions were made initiallyto determine the optimum dilutions for the enumeration of oocysts foreach sample. Oocysts were counted microscopically using a McMastercounting chamber using a sucrose floatation method which has beenestablished in Dr Lillehoj's laboratory. The total number of oocystsshed per chicken was calculated using the formula: totaloocysts/bird=(oocyst count×dilution factor×fecal sample volume/countingchamber volume)/number of birds per cage.

8. Sample Collection:

Blood was collected on the 6^(th) day following the date of infection,and serum antibody response was determined. Blood samples were obtainedfrom individual birds (N=4-5/group), allowed to clot 4 hr at 4° C., andthe sera collected. Serum samples were tested for anti-Eimeriaantibodies using ELISA. Briefly, microtiter plates were coated overnightwith 10 μg/well of the recombinant coccidial antigens Ea3-1E, EtMIF orEtMIC2, washed with PBS-0.05% Tween, and blocked with PBS-1% BSA. Serumdilutions (1:20, 1:40, 1:80, 1:160; 100 μl/well) were added, incubatedwith continuous gentle shaking, washed, and bound Ab detected withperoxidase-conjugated rabbit anti-chicken IgG (Sigma) andperoxidase-specific substrate. Optical density (OD) was determined at450 nm with a microplate reader (Bio-Rad, Richmond, Calif.).

Intestine tissues were collected at hatch, and at 6 and 10 daysthereafter, and tested for cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-2) production by usingReal-time RT-PCR, as a measure of Th1 stimulation.

9. cDNA Synthesis

Total RNA was extracted from intestinal IELs using TRIzol (Invitrogen,Carlsbad, Calif.). Five micrograms of RNA were treated with 1.0 U ofDNase 1 and 1.0 μl of 10× reaction buffer (Sigma), incubated for 15 minat room temperature, 1.0 μl of stop solution was added to inactivateDNase I, and the mixture was heated at 70° C. for 10 minutes. RNA wasreverse-transcribed using the StrataScript first-strand synthesis system(Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) according to the manufacturer'srecommendations.

10. Quantitative RT-PCR

Quantitative RT-PCR oligonucleotide primers for chicken interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and GAPDH control are listed in Table 4. Amplification anddetection were carried out using equivalent amounts of total RNA fromintestinal IELs using the Mx3000P system and Brilliant SYBR Green QPCRmaster mix (Stratagene). Standard curves were generated using log₁₀diluted standard RNA and levels of individual transcripts werenormalized to those of GAPDH analyzed by the Q-gene program. Eachanalysis was performed in triplicate. To normalize RNA levels betweensamples within an experiment, the mean threshold cycle (C_(t)) valuesfor the amplification products were calculated by pooling values fromall samples in that experiment.

TABLE 4 Oligonucleotide primers used for quantitativeRT-PCR of chicken IFN-γ and GAPDH. RNA PCR product targetPrimer sequences size (bp) GAPDH Accession no. K01458 264 Forward5′-GGTGGTGCTAAGCGTGTTAT-3′ SEQ ID NO: 1 Reverse5′-ACCTCTGTCATCTCTCCACA-3′ SEQ ID NO: 2 IFN-γ Accession No. Y07922 259Forward 5′-GCTGACGGTGGACCTATTATT-3′ SEQ ID NO: 3 Reverse5′-GGCTTTGCGCTGGATTC-3′ SEQ ID NO: 4 IL-1β Accession No. Y15006 244Forward 5′-TGGGCATCAAGGGCTACA-3′ SEQ ID NO: 5 Reverse5′-TCGGGTTGGTTGGTGATG-3′ SEQ ID NO: 6 IL-15 Accession No. AF139097 243Forward 5′-TCTGTTCTTCTGTTCTGAGTGATG-3′ SEQ ID NO: 7 Reverse5′-AGTGATTTGCTTCTGTCTTTGGTA-3′ SEQ ID NO: 8

Spleen was collected before inoculation with E. maxima and at 10^(th)DPI (date post infection) for splenocyte proliferation assay. Spleenswere placed in a Petri dish with 10 ml of Hank's balanced salt solution(HBSS) supplemented with 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 μg/ml streptomycin(Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.). Single cell suspensions of spleen lymphocyteswere prepared and lymphocyte proliferation was carried out. In brief,splenocytes were adjusted to 5×10⁶ or 1×10⁷ cells/ml in IMDM medium(Sigma) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Hyclone, Logan,Utah), 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 μg/ml streptomycin (Sigma), whichwill be called 10% complete IMDM medium. Splenocytes (100 μl/well) wereincubated in 96-well flat bottom plates at 41° C. in a humidifiedincubator (Form a, Marietta, Ohio) with 5% CO₂ and 95% air for 48 hr.Cell proliferation was determined with2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium,monosodium salt (WST-8, Cell-Counting Kit-8®, Dojindo MolecularTechnologies, Gaithersburg, Md.). Optical density (OD) was measured at450 nm using a microplate spectrophotometer (BioRad, Richmond, Calif.).

Results

Results showed that the broiler birds vaccinated with 100 microliters ofadjuvant formulation (i.e. 100 microliters including recombinant 3-1Eprotein according to the previously defined doses) gained about anadditional 45 to 85 grams of body weight compared to the birdsunvaccinated but infected with E. maxima.

The vaccines of the invention also showed clear effects on cell-mediatedimmunity as measured by mitogenic lymphocyte proliferation assays: Theresults of spleen lymphocyte proliferation at 1×10⁷ cells/ml incubatedwith Con A for 48 hours showed that the splenocytes from E.maxima-infected chickens immunized with Pfizer adjuvant with or withoutantigen in general show higher levels of lymphocyte proliferation,especially when a 50 ug dose was used. Significant enhancement of IL-1Bproduction, IFN-γ production, and IL-15 production, most particularly inthe spleen was seen following administration of the adjuvated vaccinecompositions of the invention. In summary, these results clearlyindicate the effect of present adjuvant on cytokine response and supportits effect on enhancing cell-mediated rather than humoral immuneresponse.

The vaccines of the invention also showed clear effects on fecal oocystoutput. Uninfected control birds did not shed any oocysts. Following E.maxima infection, there were significant reductions of fecal oocystsoutput in groups which were treated with Pfizer adjuvants alone. Birdsvaccinated in ovo with crude Eimeria maxima and adjuvant demonstratedmuch less fecal oocysts output compared to groups inoculated with crudeEimeria maxima preparation alone. EM groups.

It should be noted that although purified recombinant E. maxima protein3-1E has been used in the practice of the aforementioned experiments,use of recombinant Ea3-1E, EaMIF, and EtMIC2 antigens, either singularlyor in combination with 3-1E, or each other, or as any combination of anythereof, is also a preferred embodiment of the invention, and generallyall Eimeria protein antigens are operable in the practice of the presentinvention, as long as when mixed with the adjuvants of the presentinvention.

Example 17 Evaluation of Escherichia coli J5 Strain Bacterin in Cattle

The objective of the study is to evaluate immunologic response in cattleto Escherichia coli (J-5 strain) antigen when administered in variousnovel formulations. The commercial J5 bacterin is sold as a preventativevaccine for coliform mastitis in dairy cattle and is moderatelyeffective in its current formulation. Prior to vaccination, animals weredetermined to be of low titer for antibodies to E. coli J5, basedrespectively on serum blood sample analysis taken prior to vaccination.

Beef Cattle

Experimental vaccines were formulated using inactivated E. coli J5bacterin as the antigen, and were made according to Example 13 above.Each treatment group initially contained seven animals (Table 5). Onetreatment group received saline (T01) and another group received acommercial J5 vaccine (T02-Enviracor™ Pfizer J-5 Escherichia colibacterin). The other treatment groups received various formulationscontaining the adjuvants specified in Table 5. All vaccinations wereadministered by subcutaneous injection on study days 0 and 21. Thedosing volume was 5 mL.

TABLE 5 Vaccine Groups - Beef Cattle Tmt # of Dose Group AnimalsTreatment Day (ml) Route T01 7 Saline 0, 21 5.0 SC T02 7 Escherichiacoli 0, 21 5.0 SC Bacterin, J-5 strain T03 7 QCDCR 0, 21 5.0 SC T04 7QCDO 0, 21 5.0 SC T05 7 QCDX 0, 21 5.0 SC T06 7 QCDXO 0, 21 5.0 SC

In Table 5, QC is the abbreviation for QuilA/cholesterol, D for DDA, Cfor carbopol, R for R1005, X for DEAE-dextran and 0 for oil.

Stock solutions were prepared as in Examples 1 to 13 above for thefollowing: E. coli was given as about 4−5×10⁹ organisms per dose asdetermined by direct count by light microscopy. Quil A in water at 50mg/ml, Cholesterol in ethanol at 17 mg/ml, DDA in ethanol at 17 mg/ml,R1005 in 20 mM phosphate buffer at 5 mg/ml, DEAE-dextran in water at 200mg/ml, TLR agonist in TE buffer at 20 mg/ml and Iscomatrix in water at5.4 mg/ml. The individual components were added v/v in the order ofletter symbols from left to right. For example, QCDC the appropriatevolume of Quil A was added followed by addition of cholesterol, DDA andfinally carbopol. When the formulations contained oil, the separatecomponents were add mixed then emulsified into a mixture of Drakeol® 5LT mineral oil with either Span 80 and Tween 80 (QCDO) or Span 85 andTween 85 (QCDXO). Drakeol® is a commercially available light mineral oil

Blood samples were collected on study days 0, 21 and 49 for serologicaltesting. Antibody titers to E. coli J5 in serum samples were determinedby means of J5-specific, indirect ELISA assay. IgG antibody isotypeswere determined with sheep-anti-bovine antibody conjugates (BethylLabs). Titers were determined and expressed as their geometric means.

Results

The serological results of the study are shown in Tables 6-8. Higherantibody titers generally are associated with better protection ofvaccines. The total J5-specific IgG titer is shown in Table 6. Severalof the formulations of the present invention produced much higher titersthan the commercial product, even though these formulations had asimilar amount of J5 antigen added. The QCDO, QCDX, and QCDXOformulations were especially effective in inducing a good immuneresponse in these cattle.

TABLE 6 IgG antibody titers. Geometric mean IgG Tmt Titer to J5 at dayGroup Treatment 0 21 48 T01 Saline 1573 3135 2795 T02 Escherichia coli1402 7011 55524 Bacterin T03 QCDCR 1573 13975 49494 T04 QCDO 1764 62289391951 T05 QCDX 993 22135 110672 T06 QCDXO 2221 69877 620779

The J5-specific IgG1 antibody isotypes were determined. These resultsare shown in Table 7. Again, QCDO, QCDX, and QCDXO formulations wereespecially effective in inducing a good immune response in these cattle.These formulations gave much higher titers with even a singlevaccination than the commercial vaccine did with two injections.

TABLE 7 IgG1 antibody titers. Geometric mean IgG1 Titer to J5 at day TmtGroup Treatment 0 21 48 T01 Saline 1250 1250 627 T02 Escherichia coli1114 11105 22135 Bacterin T03 QCDCR 1250 12458 22135 T04 QCDO 1980 31250139281 T05 QCDX 789 35057 62289 T06 QCDXO 1573 247472 439702

The IgG2 antibody titers are shown in Table 8. This antibody isotype isoften associated with better phagocytosis by neutrophils in the milk andprotection for the animal. The QCDO, QCDX, and QCDXO formulations wereespecially effective in inducing a good immune response in these cattle.

TABLE 8 IgG2 antibody titers. Geometric mean IgG2 Titer to J5 at day TmtGroup Treatment 0 21 48 T01 Saline 199 396 396 T02 Escherichia coli 280855 3136 Bacterin T03 QCDCR 1114 1402 4966 T04 QCDO 558 1573 6250 T05QCDX 176 3947 9899 T06 QCDXO 559 8824 87940

Dairy Cattle

Experimental vaccines were formulated using inactivated E. coli J5bacterin as the antigen, and were made according to Example 13 above.Each treatment group initially contained seven animals (Table 9). Onetreatment group received saline (T01) and another group received acommercial J5 vaccine (T02-Enviracor™ Pfizer J-5 Escherichia colibacterin). The other treatment groups received various formulationscontaining the adjuvants specified in Table 9. All vaccinations wereadministered by subcutaneous injection on study days 0 and 21. Thedosing volume was 5 mL.

TABLE 9 Vaccine Groups - Dairy Cattle Tmt # of Dose Group AnimalsTreatment Day (ml) Route T01 7 Saline 0, 5.0 SC 21 T02 7 Escherichiacoli 0, 5.0 SC Bacterin, J-5 strain 21 T03 7 QCDCR 0, 5.0 SC 21 T04 7QCDO 0, 5.0 SC 21 T05 7 TXO 0, 5.0 SC 21

In Table 9, QC is the abbreviation for QuilA/cholesterol, D for DDA, Cfor carbopol, R for R1005, X for DEAE-dextran, T for TLR agonist(CpG-ODN), and O for oil. Stock solutions were prepared for thefollowing; E. coli was given as about 4−5×10⁹ organisms per dose asdetermined by direct count by light microscopy. Quil A in water at 50mg/ml, Cholesterol in ethanol at 17 mg/ml, DDA in ethanol at 17 mg/ml,R1005 in 20 mM phosphate buffer at 5 mg/ml, DEAE-dextran in water at 200mg/ml, TLR agonist in TE buffer at 20 mg/ml. The individual componentswere added v/v in the order of letter symbols from left to right. Forexample, QCDCR the appropriate volume of Quil A was added followed byaddition of cholesterol, DDA and finally carbopol. When the formulationscontained oil, the separate components were add mixed then emulsifiedinto a mixture of Drakeol 5 LT mineral oil with either Span 80 and Tween80 (TXO, QCDO) or Span 85 and Tween 85.

Blood Collection

Blood samples were collected on study days 0, 21 and 49 for serologicaltesting. Antibody titers to E. coli J5 in serum samples were determinedby means of J5-specific, indirect ELISA assay. IgG antibody isotypeswere determined with sheep-anti-bovine antibody conjugates (BethylLabs). Titers were determined and expressed as their geometric means.

Results

The serological results of the study are shown in the Table 10. Higherantibody titers generally are associated with better protection ofvaccines. The total J5-specific IgG titer is shown in Table 10. Severalof the formulations of the invention produced much higher titers thanthe commercial product, even though these formulations had a similaramount of J5 antigen added. The QCDO, TXO and QCDXO formulations wereespecially effective in inducing a good immune response in these cattle.

TABLE 10 IgG antibody titers. Geometric mean IgG Tmt Titer to J5 at dayGroup Treatment 0 21 48 T01 Saline 50 60 110 T02 Escherichia coli 175.2275 245 Bacterin T03 QCDCR 106.5 202.7 209 T04 QCDO 55.9 328.3 245 T05TXO 90.6 328.3 889

The J5-specific IgG1 antibody isotypes were determined. These resultsare shown in Table 10. Again, QCDO, TXO and QCDXO formulations wereespecially effective in inducing a good immune response in these cattle.These formulations gave much higher titers with even a singlevaccination than the commercial vaccine did with two injections.

This antibody isotype is often associated with better phagocytosis byneutrophils in the milk and protection for the animal. The QCDXOformulation was especially effective in inducing a good immune responsein these cattle.

Example 18 Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Vaccine Study Objective

This study compared the safety, efficacy and cross-protection of twokilled Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 and type 2 (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2or BVD-1/2) vaccines and one BVDV-1 and -2 extract vaccine formulatedwith adjuvants of the invention with one negative (saline) and twopositive controls (a modified live BVDV-2 vaccine, and a currentlyavailable killed BVDV-1/2 vaccine) against a challenge with BVDV-1 innaïve calves. Table 11 presents the Study Design.

This study also showed that the adjuvants of the invention can be usedto distinguish animals vaccinated with vaccine compositions of thepresent invention from animals naturally exposed to BVDV.

Animals

Healthy weaned beef cattle of either sex between 7 and 15 months of agethat were seronegative for BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 were used.

TABLE 11 Study Design # Challenge Gp Vaccine Adjuvant Dose Days Animalsday Route Dose T01 Saline None 2 mL, SC 0 & 21 10 42 IN 5 mL left neckT02 BVD-2 None 2 mL, SC 0 10 42 IN 5 mL MLV left neck T03 BVD-1/2PreZent-A 2 mL, SC 0 & 21 10 42 IN 5 mL inactive left neck T04 BVD-1/2QCDC 2 mL, SC 0 & 21 10 42 IN 5 mL inactive left neck T05 BVD-1/2 QCDCR2 mL, SC 0 & 21 10 42 IN 5 mL inactive left neck T06 BVD-1/2 QCDC 2 mL,SC 0 & 21 10 42 IN 5 mL inactive left neck extract QC is theabbreviation for QuilA/cholesterol, D for DDA, C for Carbopol ®, R forBay R1005 ®

Vaccination

On Study Days 0 and 21, animals (N=10/group) were vaccinated asdescribed in Table 11. The antigen (BVDV) was given as 5,500 RelativePotency Units (RU) per dose as determined by ELISA assay. Calves in theT01 group served as the control group. They were given a 0.9% sodiumchloride sterile solution. Those in the T02 through T06 groups receivedexperimental BVDV 1/2 vaccines with the adjuvant as shown in Table 11.The T02 group received only one vaccination (Study Day 0). They receiveda modified live virus (MLV) BVDV-2 vaccine that contained no adjuvant.Group T03 received a killed virus BVDV-1/2 vaccine containing a 2.5%oil-in-water emulsion (Amphigen) and Quil A/cholesterol adjuvants(PreZent AC)). Group T04 received a killed virus BVDV-1/2 vaccinecontaining Quil A/cholesterol, DDA, and Carbopol. Group T05 received akilled virus BVDV-1/2 vaccine containing Quil A/cholesterol, DDA,Carbopol, and R1005. Group T06 received a killed virus BVDV-1/2,high-titer extract vaccine containing Quil A cholesterol, DDA, andCarbopol on Day 0, and a similar low-titer extract vaccine on Day 21.All treatments were administered subcutaneously in a single 2 mL dose onDays 0 and 21, with the exception of Group 2.

The QCDC+/−R contained 100 μg Quil A, 100 μg Cholesterol, 50 μg DDA, and0.075% Carbopol and where included 1,000 μg R1005 all per 2 mL dose aspreviously described.

Challenge

On Day 42 all the animals were challenged intranasally with about 4 mL(approximately 2 mL per nostril) of noncytopathic BVDV-1 strain (StrainNY-1; CVB, USDA, Ames, Iowa) with a concentration 5.4 log¹⁰ TCID₅₀ per5-mL dose.

Observations

Injection site observations were recorded on Study Days 0(pre-vaccination), 1, 2, 3, 7 and 21 for the first injection site (leftneck). Observations for the second injection site (also left neck) wererecorded on Study Days 21 (pre-vaccination), 22, 23, 24, 28 and 35. Allpalpable injection site reactions were measured (L×W×H, cm). RectalTemperatures were recorded on Study Days −1, 0 (pre-vaccination), 1, 2and 3 for the primary vaccination. Temperatures for the boostervaccination were recorded on Study Days 20, 21 (pre-vaccination), 22, 23and 24.

Blood Sampling

Blood samples were collected from each available animal using serumseparation tubes (SST) on Study Days −1, 20, 34 and 49. Blood sampleswere collected using EDTA tubes on Study Days 33 through 35(pre-challenge) and 36 through 49. Blood samples were collected usingcell preparation tubes (CPT) on Study Days 34 (pre-challenge) and 36through 49.

Results

Table 12 shows geometric least squares mean (GLSM) serum neutralizingantibody titer to BVD virus by hemeagglutination assay on day of study.The results show the adjuvants of the invention provided an increase intiters against both BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 as the study progresses. Anacceptable titer for the UDSA is above a titer of 8. These datademonstrate titers above 5,000 which indicate strong antibody productionthat is capable of stopping live virus when it enters the animal withthe potential for infection and disease.

TABLE 12 serum antibody neutralizing titer Group BVDV-1 BVDV-2 (vaccine,Day −1 Day 21 Day 41 Day 56 Day −1 Day 21 Day 41 Day 56 adjuvant) MeansGLSM GLSM GLSM Means GLSM* GLSM* GLSM* Group T01 1.00 1.00  1.00  21.381.00 1.01  1.01  371.98 (saline, none) (1-1) (1-1) (1-1)  (11-54)  (1-1)(1-1)  (1-1)  (128-861)  Group T02 1.00 1.00  2.75  13.27 1.00 2.14 45.21  454.09 (BVDV-2 (1-1) (1-1) (1-27) (1-45) (1-1) (1-10)  (1-1024) (91-1218) MLV, none) Group T03 1.00 1.60 35.59 486.49 1.00 6.40 877.758950.83 (BVDV-1/2, (1-1) (1-6)  (1-181)  (91-2048) (1-1) (1-38) (38-3444) (1024-77936) PreZent-A) Group T04 1.00 1.20 12.66 1772.17 1.00 8.71 329.56 11611.44  (BVDV-1/2, (1-1) (1-3) (5-91)  (512-16384)(1-1) (5-16) (54-861) (4096-16384) QCDC) Group T05 1.00 1.12 18.922477.87  1.00 5.30 692.34 10517.89  (BVDV-1/2, (1-1) (1-3) (5-91)(861-6889) (1-1) (2-13) (152-2048) (3444-46341) QCDCR) Group T06 1.001.07  4.60 922.95 1.00 2.43 239.87 9956.50 (BVDV-1/2 (1-1) (1-2) (1-23)(256-4096) (1-1) (1-7)   (64-1448) (4096-55109) extract, QCDC)

Table 13 presents leucopenia data for study days 43-56. The leukopeniaresults on day of study demonstrate that the MLV vaccine (T02) preventedinfection by that specific virus of the challenge. A measure ofleukopenia is a criteria for licensing a MLV product by the USDA.However, for an inactivated virus leucopenia is not a criteria by theUSDA but as the data suggests the adjuvants of the invention hadleucopenia in up to only 20% of the animals where as most inactivatedvirus vaccines have 100% leucopenia. This indicates that the adjuvantsof the invention were able to drive a strong Th1 response with aninactivated antigen. This is difficult to do and is seldom seen ininactivated products.

TABLE 13 Leukopenia by Day of Study. T02 T03 T06 Day of T01 ModifiedPreZent T04 T05 QCDC study Saline Live A QCDC QCDCR Extract Day 43 0 0 00 0 0 Day 44 0 0 0 0 0 0 Day 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 Day 46 2 0 0 0 0 0 Day 47 50 1 1 1 3 Day 48 5 0 1 2 2 3 Day 49 8 0 1 2 2 6 Day 50 8 0 1 0 1 3 Day51 6 0 0 0 0 0 Day 52 2 0 0 0 0 0 Day 53 2 0 0 0 0 0 Day 54 2 0 0 0 0 0Day 55 2 0 0 0 0 0 Day 56 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 14 presents the Serum Neutralization Titers on Day 41 (20 Daysafter Second Vaccination, Pre-Challenge). Modified live virus is capableof only developing antibody responses to the exact virus in the vaccine.This is seen in that Group T02 shows protection against only BVDV-2.However, the T03 (PreZent-A), T04 (QCDC), and T05 (QCDCR) adjuvantedinactivated vaccines generated a strong antibody response early on inthe onset of immunity and throughout the in life phase of the animalstudy toward a serologically diverse panel of BVDVs. This shows thatthese adjuvants have the ability to provide safety and efficacy in achallenge model to protect cattle in not only a homologous but aheterologous challenge.

TABLE 14 Serum Neutralization Titers on Day 41. Cross Protection bySerological Titer Treatment group, Antibody Titer Log 2 T02 T03 T06 T01Modified PreZent T04 T05 QCDC Saline Live A QCDC QCDCR Extract Average<1 0.8 4.0 2.5 2.9 1.9 BVDV1a Average <1 0.7 3.9 2.4 2.9 1.5 BVDV1bAverage <1 4.5 8.8 8.1 8.0 6.5 BVDV2

Marker Activity.

Presented herein are data which show that the adjuvants of the inventioncan be used to distinguish animals vaccinated with vaccine compositionsof the present invention from animals naturally exposed to BVDV. Thiscan be seen by determining the antibody profile differences betweenstructural and non structural gene products of the virus. The markeractivity is demonstrated by the gel run by radioimmunoprecipitationassay (FIG. 1). An antibody response to the NS2/3 and E2 proteins of theBVDV is very pronounced in an animal vaccinated with a MLV vaccine or ananimal naturally exposed to BVDV or PreZent-A adjuvanted inactivatedvaccine. However, the adjuvants of the invention demonstrated anantibody response to only E2 protein and not the NS2/3 proteins. Thus ananimal vaccinated with an inactivated BVDV vaccine comprising adjuvantsof the invention can be differentiated between from either a naturallyinfected animal or a MLV vaccinated animal or PreZent-A vaccinatedanimal. This would be considered a marker-vaccine that is valuable foreradication of these types of diseases in animal populations.

Example 19 Mycoplasma hyopneumonia in Swine Background

Mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) or enzootic pneumonia is awidespread, chronic disease characterized by coughing, growthretardation, and reduced feed efficiency. The etiologic agent is M.hyopneumoniae; however, the naturally occurring disease often resultsfrom a combination of bacterial and mycoplasmal infections.

MPS causes considerable economic loss in all areas where swine areraised. Surveys conducted at various locations throughout the worldindicate that lesions typical of those seen with MPS occur in 30%-80% ofslaughter-weight swine. Because mycoplasmal lesions may resolve beforehogs reach slaughter weight, the actual incidence may be higher. Theprevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infection in chronic swine pneumonia hasbeen reported to range from 25%-93%. Pigs of all ages are susceptible toMPS, but the disease is most common in growing and finishing swine.Current evidence indicates that M. hyopneumoniae is transmitted byaerosol or direct contact with respiratory tract secretions frominfected swine. Transmission from sow to pig during lactation ispossible. Once established, MPS occurs year after year in infectedherds, varying in severity with such environmental factors as season,ventilation, and concentration of swine.

Study Objective

To compare the efficacy of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccines formulatedwith novel adjuvants of the invention against the efficacy of anexperimental serial of a commercially available Mycoplasma hyopneumoniaebacterin following intratracheal challenge with a virulent M.hyopneumoniae lung homogenate.

Animals

Sixty-six (66) clinically healthy, crossbred pigs at approximately 17days of age without a history of disease caused by M. hyopneumoniae andPRRSV, or vaccination against the same organisms were used in the study.Prior to shipment to the study site, and for 2 days post-arrival, pigswere treated with Naxcel® intramuscularly in the hind leg, as per labeldirections, to prevent stress-related disease such as Streptococcussuis. Animals were allocated to treatments and pens according to arandomization plan. The study design is shown in Table 15.

TABLE 15 Experimental Design Treatment No. of Group Treatment AnimalsVaccination Route Challenge T01 Negative Control 12 Day 0 IntramuscularM. hyo lung- 63464-70 Day 14 homogenate T02 DDA/Carbopol/R1005 12 Day 0Intramuscular M. hyo lung- (DCR) Day 14 homogenate T03 QAC/DDA/Carbopol12 Day 0 Intramuscular M. hyo lung- (QCDC) Day 14 homogenate T04QAC/DDA/Carbopol/R1005 12 Day 0 Intramuscular M. hyo lung- (QCDCR) Day14 homogenate T05 M. hyo Bacterin 12 Day 0 Intramuscular M. hyo lung-Day 14 homogenate NTX None 6 N/A N/A N/A QAC is the abbreviation forQuilA/cholesterol,

Investigational Veterinary Products (IVP)

The antigens and Investigational Veterinary Products (IVP) are shown inTable 16. The vaccines for Treatment Groups T02, T03, and T04 (allexcept T05) were prepared according to Example 13 by using theconcentrations of components shown in Table 16 below. The componentswere added in the order listed in the table.

A saline extender was added to a vessel and homogenization was initiatedand continued throughout the preparation procedure. Inactivated M.hyopneumoniae was prepared from a blended volume of 75 liters offermentate per 800 liters of final formulated product and was added to aconcentration of 0.09375 ml per dose. Quil A was added to theconcentration listed in Table 16. Cholesterol/Ethanol solution was thenadded. DDA/ethanol solution was added, followed by the addition of theBay R1005 glycolipid solution. Carbopol was then added and the solutionwas brought to the final volume with the saline extender.

The vaccine for Treatment Group T05 (Amphigen Based Vaccine formulation)was the commercially available product Respisure® (Pfizer, Inc).

TABLE 16 Investigational Veterinary Products (IVP) Treatment Antigen #of Volume/ IVP Group Dose Adjuvant per Dose Doses Dose Negative T01 N/AN/A 24 2 mL Control Saline DDA/Carbopol/ T02 M. hyo Mhyo +DDA/R1005/Carbopol 24 2 mL R1005 (50/1000ug/dose/0.075% w/v) QAC/DDA/T03 M. hyo Mhyo+ 24 2 mL Carbopol QuilA/cholesterol/DDA/Carbopol(100/100/50 micrograms/dose/0.075% v/v) QAC/DDA/ T04 M. hyo Mhyo+ 24 2mL Carbopol/R1005 QuilA/cholesterol/DDA/Carbopol/ R1005 adjuvant diluent(100/100/50 micrograms/dose/0.075% v/v/1000ug/dose) M. hyo T05 M. hyo 5%Amphigen 24 2 mL Bacterin

Vaccination

Animals in the NTX treatment group were not vaccinated or challenged. Atapproximately 3 weeks of age (Day 0—right neck) and 5 weeks of age (Day14—left neck), animals in T01, T02, T03, T04 and T05 were vaccinatedintramuscularly, 2 mL per dose, by a qualified individual blinded totreatment group.

Challenge Material

Animals in T01 through T05 were challenged intratracheally 3 weeksfollowing the second vaccination (at approximately 8 weeks of age—StudyDay 35). Animals were challenged with a 5 mL dose of a 1:50 dilution inFriis medium of a 10% frozen lung homogenate of M. hyo strain 11 (LI36).

Blood Sampling

On Day −1 or 0 (prior to 1st vaccination), Day 13 or 14 (prior to 2ndvaccination), Day 34 or 35 (prior to challenge) and Day 63 (atnecropsy), blood samples (approximately 5 to 10 mL in serum separatortubes) were collected from all pigs and tested for M. hyopneumoniaeserology (ELISA—IDEXX).

Weight

All animals were weighed on arrival for allotment purposes, on Day 34 or35 (prior to challenge), and on Day 62 or 63 (prior to necropsy).

Necropsy

On Day 63, all surviving animals were euthanized according tosite-specific procedures. Lungs were evaluated grossly forcharacteristic lesions attributable to a M. hyopneumoniae infection andwere given a score for the lesions attributed to the M. hyopneumoniaechallenge. Lung lesions scores were recorded as the percent of lunglesions for each lung lobe. The percentage of consolidation for eachlobe (left cranial, left middle, left caudal, right cranial, rightmiddle, right caudal, and accessory were scored as an actual valuebetween 0-100%. The percent for each lung lobe was used in a weightedformula for calculation of the total percent lung with lesions. Six (6)NTX animals were necropsied on Day 34 or 35 prior to challenge and theirlungs scored for lesions.

Lung Lesion Scores

Percentage of total lung with lesions were calculated using thefollowing formula: Percentage of total lung with lesions=100×{(0.10×leftcranial)+(0.10×left middle)+(0.25×left caudal)+(0.10×rightcranial)+(0.10×right middle)+(0.25×right caudal)+(0.10×accessory)}. Thearcsine square root transformation was applied to the percentage oftotal lung with lesions prior to analysis. The transformed lung lesionswere analyzed with a general linear mixed model. Linear combinations ofthe parameter estimates were used in a priori contrasts after testingfor treatment effect. Back transformed least squares means of asignificant (P 0.10) percentage of total lung with lesions, theirstandard errors, and their 90% confidence intervals were calculated aswell as the minimums and maximums.

Results

As indicated by the results Table 17 below, the adjuvants of theinvention performed equally as well as the oil adjuvanted treatmentgroup T05 that contained the adjuvant Amphigen®. Typically a lung lesionscore of under 3 is considered to have conferred efficacy by the vaccinetreatment. The combinations of the adjuvants of the invention all metthis criteria and QCDCR performed the best in score and range amongindividual animals.

TABLE 17 Percent Lung with Lesions Signal:Positive (S/P) SerologicalRatio Day 34 LSM Range T01 - Placebo 0.00 8.4 0-25.55 T02 - DRC 0.28 2.40-20.13 T03 - QCDC 0.15 2.1 0-23.18 T04 QCDCR 0.23 0.5 0-2.7  T05 -RespiSure 0.46 0.6 0-2.33  N = 12 per group, with the exception of T05where N = 11

Example 20 Feline Avian Influenza Virus (FAIV)

This study evaluated the efficacy in cats of an influenza vaccine usingan adjuvant of the invention by challenge with a virulent avianinfluenza virus strain.

Methods and Results

Prior to vaccination, animals were determined to be negative for bothinfluenza virus and antibodies to influenza virus, based respectively onoropharyngeal swabs and serum blood sample analysis taken prior tovaccination.

Experimental vaccines were formulated using inactivated pathogenic avianinfluenza and purified hemagglutinin (HA). Each treatment groupinitially contained six animals (Table 18). Two treatment groupsreceived the experimental FAIV vaccines (T01 vaccine antigen waspurified H5 HA protein; and T02 vaccine antigen was inactivated H₅N₂strain), one treatment group received an inactivated modified H₅N₁ virusstrain vaccine (T03), one placebo control group received anadjuvant-only vaccine (T04) and one negative control group receivingsaline only (T05). All vaccinations were administered by subcutaneousinjection on study days 0 and 21. The dosing volume was 1 mL. Followingvaccination animals were observed constantly until they recovered andwere able to sit upright to ensure there were no adverse reactions.Observations at approximately one hour post vaccination were recordedand any other complication observed following vaccination would havebeen recorded.

The adjuvant composition was previously described above by the exampleQCDC using Quil A (20 μg), Cholesterol, (20 μg), DDA (10 μg) andCarbopol (0.05%) per dose. Antigen is inactivated whole virus orpurified H5 HA protein.

Animals were assessed for injection site reactions and serologicalresponse to the vaccine. Three animals (two in T02-inactivated H₅N₂, andone in T05-saline) were euthanized due to congenital hyperoxaluriabefore challenge. On study day 49, all surviving cats were challengedvia the intratracheal route with strain H₅N₁ A/Vietnam/1194/04 toevaluate efficacy of the vaccine candidates. Animals were challengedwith 5.0 mL of material containing 10⁵TCID₅₀, which was released justabove the bifurcation using a small catheter that was brought into thetrachea using a tracheoscope. Animals were observed and sampled for fivedays after challenge. At the end of the animal phase (study day 54), allsurviving animals were euthanized and a necropsy performed on each.

TABLE 18 Vaccine Groups Treatment Route of Study Group Vaccine DoseAdministration Day Animals T01 Purified recombinant 1.0 mL Subcutaneous0 and 21 6 haemaglutinin (HA) protein vaccine (25,600 HA units/dose) T02Inactivated modified H5N2 1.0 mL Subcutaneous 0 and 21 6 virus vaccine(25,600 HA units/dose) T03 Inactivated modified H5N1 1.0 mL Subcutaneous0 and 21 6 virus vaccine (25,600 HA units/dose) T04 Placebo - Adjuvantonly 1.0 mL Subcutaneous 0 and 21 6 T05 Placebo - Saline only 1.0 mLSubcutaneous 0 and 21 6

Blood samples were collected on study days −14 pre-vaccination, 0, 21and 49 for serological testing. On study days 49 and 54, blood sampleswere collected for virological testing. On study day 42, an unscheduledblood sample was taken from all surviving animals to test kidneyfunction on sera before challenge.

Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from all the animals on study days−14, 49 prior to challenge and 50 through to 54. Rectal swabs werecollected from all the animals on study days 49 prior to challenge anddays 50 through 54. The collection of the swabs was done just prior tochallenge on study day 49.

During necropsy, all lung lobes were aseptically removed, weighed andevaluated grossly for characteristic lesions attributable to FAIVinfection. Percentages were used to identify the extent of lungconsolidation. The left lung was fixed with 10% neutral-bufferedformalin for histopathology. The right lung was collected and sampledfor virological testing. In addition to the lungs a kidney sample andany tissues with gross pathology were also sampled and stored in 10%neutral-buffered formalin for histopathology.

Viral titres in blood samples, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs, and inlung tissue samples were determined by means of a H₅N₁-specific TaqManPCR. Briefly, RNA was isolated using a MagnaPure LC system with theMagnaPure LC Total nucleic acid isolation kit (Roche Diagnostics;Almere, The Netherlands), and influenza A virus was detected by using areal-time RT-PCR assay. Data were expressed as Control Dilution Units(CDU). CDU's were determined from a standard curve produced from a stockof virus, which was serially diluted, with each dilution undergoingnucleic acid extraction and TaqMan PCR amplification in the same manneras test samples.

RT-PCR positive oropharyngeal swabs and lung tissue samples were alsoanalysed by virus isolation and titration on Madine Darby canine kidney(MDCK) cells. Results were expressed as log₁₀ 50% tissue cultureinfective doses per millilitre or gram of sample (log₁₀ TCID₅₀/mL orlog₁₀TCID₅₀/g).

Plasma samples were analysed by virus neutralisation and byhemagglutination inhibition. For the hemagglutination inhibition (HI)assay, a virus suspension of influenza strain Vietnam 1194/04 (H5N1,Glade 1) or Indonesia 05/2005 (H5N1, Glade 2) was incubated with serial(2-fold) dilutions of serum sample pre-treated with cholerafiltrate(obtained from Vibrio cholerae cultures). Subsequently, erythrocyteswere added to the dilutions and after incubation the maximum dilution ofthe agents showing complete inhibition of haemagglutination was definedas the titre of HI.

The virus neutralization (VN) assay was based on an endpoint titrationof the sera. Briefly, a constant amount of virus was mixed with a serial(2-fold) dilution of a serum sample. Virus neutralization was read usingMDCK cells as indicator cells and was visualized by erythrocyteagglutination. VN titres were scored by taking the highest dilution ofserum in which 50% of the inoculated cell cultures showed erythrocyteagglutination.

The left lung was collected at necropsy and fixed with 10%neutral-buffered formalin for histopathology. After fixation, thetissues was embedded in paraffin, tissue sections were prepared andstained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological examination.Description and degree of pathological changes observed were recorded.

Results

None of the animals in the five treatment groups showed any pain orswelling at the injection site following the first and secondvaccination. Furthermore, no skin abnormalities were recorded at theinjection sites. Following vaccinations and before challenge, there wereno significant differences at the 0.1 significance level in bodytemperatures between treatments by linear mixed model analysis. One T01animal was febrile 40° C.) before the first vaccination on Day 0 and forseveral days after. Sporadic body temperature increases in individualanimals to 40° C. or above were recorded after vaccinations (Days 0 and21). No abnormal health related to vaccination was observed during thestudy. Three animals (two in T02-H5N2, and one in T05-saline) wereeuthanized due to congenital hyperoxaluria before challenge. Severalanimals from all treatments presented with wound complications followingthe implantation of the temperature recorder. No concurrent treatmentswere administered from day 0 until study completion.

Vaccinated T01, T02 and T03 animals showed less clinical signs and nomortality after challenge compared to control T04 and T05 animals. InT01, one animal showed depression and increased respiratory effort twodays after challenge. None of the remaining five T01 animals showed anyabnormal health after challenge. In T02 (n=4) and T03 (n=6), all animalsremained healthy following challenge. In T04 (n=6) the first abnormalclinical signs (depression and increased respiratory effort) were seenin two animals two days after challenge. Three days after challenge, allsix animals in T04 were depressed and showed an increase in respiratoryeffort. Consequently two animals had to be euthanized for welfarereasons. Four days after challenge (Day 53), one animal was found deadand the remaining three T04 animals exhibited depression, increasedrespiratory effort, third eyelid protrusion and nasal discharge, andwere euthanized for welfare reasons. In T05 (n=5), the first abnormalclinical signs of depression and increased respiratory effort were seenin one animal one day after challenge. Two days after challenge, twomore animals started to show those signs. Three days after challenge,one animal was found dead and the remaining four animals exhibiteddepression, increased respiratory effort and third eyelid protrusion.One animal was subsequently euthanized for welfare reasons. Four daysafter challenge, the respiratory effort had worsened in one of the threeremaining animals and another animal additionally showed nasaldischarge. All three remaining animals were euthanized for welfarereasons four days after challenge (Day 53).

Following challenge, mean body temperatures remained below 40.0° C. invaccinated animals (T01, T02, and T03). Mean temperatures of controlanimals (T04 and T05) rose≧40.0° C. starting one day after challenge.Differences in mean body temperatures between treatments weresignificant (p=0.0001) by linear mixed model analysis. Individual animaldata showed that in a minority of T01, T02 and T03 animals, bodytemperatures rose to 40.0° C. and above at sporadic time points on Day53. In T01, two animals were febrile (range 40.0 to 40.1° C.) at onetime point. In T02, two animals were febrile (range 40.0 to 40.3° C.) atone and three time points, respectively. In T03, one animal was febrile(range 40.0 to 40.3° C.) at three time points. In T04 and T05 allanimals were febrile for at least twelve hours between Days 50 to 51.

HI antibody titres to influenza strains Vietnam 1194/04 (H5N1, Glade 1)and Indonesia 05/2005 (H5N1, Glade 2) were determined before the firstand second vaccination and before challenge. The lower limit ofdetection was 5. Prior to vaccination, the titers in all 5 treatmentgroups were below the lower limit of 5. Following vaccination allvaccinated (T01, T02, and T03) animals developed HI antibody titresabove 5 and showed at least a six-fold increase in titres compared topre-vaccination values. In T01 and T03, titres against Vietnam 1194/04ranged from 20 to 160 following the first vaccination, and 140 to 960following the second vaccination. In T02, titres against Vietnam 1194/04were lower than those seen in T01 and T03, ranging from 5 to 30following the first vaccination, and 5 to 70 following the secondvaccination. HI antibody titres against Indonesia 05/2005 were similarto those against Vietnam 1194/04.

Plasma samples taken before and after challenge were tested byH5N1-specific real time RT-PCR for viral load. All animals had virusnegative samples before challenge. After challenge, no virus wasdetected in the plasma of T01 and T03 animals. In contrast, 25% (1 of 4)of T02 animals, 67% (4 of 6) of T04 animals and 60% (3 of 5) of T05animals were virus positive in plasma after challenge. Differencesbetween treatments were significant (p=0.0247) by linear mixed modelanalysis.

Virus shedding after challenge was assessed in throat swab samples byreal time RT-PCR and virus titration, and in rectal swab samples by realtime RT-PCR. No viral shedding from the throat was detected in T01animals after challenge. In T02, all four animals (100%) shed virus atone point after challenge. In T03, in total two of six animals (33%)shed virus after challenge. In T04, three of six animals (50%) shedvirus after challenge. In T05, four of five animals (80%) shed virusafter challenge. No samples were taken from T04 and T05 animals fivedays after challenge, since all animals were deceased by then. For thepurpose of statistical analysis, however, animals that died or wereeuthanized before the last day of study had their last test resultscarried forward to the last day of study.

Throat samples with a RT-PCR positive result (≧1.8 CDU) were also usedin virus titration assays. Virus titration confirmed that all RT-PCRpositive samples contained infectious influenza virus (data not shown).Infectious virus titres were lower in vaccinated animals (T02 and T03)than control animals (T04 and T05). These differences were significantthree days after challenge when comparing T02 or T03 with T04, andthree, four and five days after challenge when comparing T02 or T03 withT05. Titres in T02 and T03 animals were 0.5 log₁₀ TCID₅₀. Titres seen inT04 ranged from 2.3 to 4.3 log₁₀ TCID₅₀. Titres seen in T05 ranged from1.5 to 3.8 log₁₀ TCID₅₀.

Shedding in feces as assessed by rectal swabs was detected in alltreatment groups except T02 three or four days post challenge. Virusquantities detected by RT-PCR were between 2.2 to 2.3 log₁₀ CDU in T01,3.2 log₁₀ CDU in T03, 2.0 to 2.7 log₁₀ CDU in T04, and 2.2 log₁₀ CDU inT05. There were no significant differences at the 0.1 significance levelbetween treatments on any of the days after challenge.

Lung pathology was less severe in vaccinated (T01, T02, and T03) than incontrol animals (T04 and T05). All vaccinated animals presented with amild, multifocal, subacute bronchointerstitial pneumonia. Controlanimals showed either a moderate (two T04 animals and one T05 animal) orsevere (four T04 and four T05 animals), subacute bronchointerstitialpneumonia with a multifocal distribution in all except two controlanimals who (one T04 and one T05 animal) showed a diffuse distribution.Whole lung was assessed for the extent of consolidation, which wasexpressed in percentage consolidation of total lung tissue. In agreementwith the lung pathology findings, percentage consolidation wassignificantly lower in vaccinated animals (T01, T02, and T03) than incontrol animals (T04 and T05).

Viral load in lung tissue collected at the time of death or euthanasiawas assessed by virus titration and H5N1 RT-PCR. Lung tissue fromvaccinated animals (T01, T02 and T03) had significantly lower mean virustitres than those from controls (T04 and T05). There were no significantdifferences between mean titres in lung tissue from vaccinated animals(T01, T02 and T03). Analysis by RT-PCR yielded the same results.

Following challenge with a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenzastrain, clinical signs including fever, mortalities, viraemia, viralshedding from throat and in feces, viral infection of the lung and lungpathology, including consolidation, were observed in control animalswhich had received either adjuvant (T04) or saline (T05).

Vaccination with purified H5 HA protein (T01) prevented viraemia, viralshedding from the throat, and mortality in six young cats followingchallenge with a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain.Furthermore, vaccination with purified H5 HA protein (T01) reducedclinical signs, including fever, viral load in lung and lung pathology,including consolidation.

Vaccination with an inactivated H₅N₂ strain (T02) prevented clinicalsigns, viral shedding in feces, and mortality in four young catsfollowing challenge with a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenzastrain. Furthermore, vaccination with the inactivated H₅N₂ strain (T02)reduced viraemia, fever, viral shedding from the throat, viral load inlung and lung pathology, including consolidation.

Vaccination with an inactivated H5N1 strain (T03) prevented clinicalsigns, viraemia and mortality in six young cats following challenge witha highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain. Furthermore,vaccination with the inactivated H5N1 strain (T03) reduced fever, viralshedding from the throat, viral load in lung and lung pathology,including consolidation.

SUMMARY

No injection site reactions were observed with the vaccines formulatedwith either inactivated or purified HA antigen with QC/DC adjuvant. Thevaccines provided a complete protection of clinical disease andmortality in vaccinated cats, significantly reduced virus load in bloodand tissues, and significantly reduced virus shedding.

Example 21 Cancer BACKGROUND

This study was conducted in immunodeficient and immunocompetent ratsusing human and rat hepatocellular carcinoma cells to generateheterotopic and orthotopic models.

Animals

Nude (Crl: NIH-rnu) male rats 6-8 weeks old were purchased from CharlesRiver (Wilmington Mass.). The rats were pair housed in polycarbonatemicro-isolator cages and provided ad libitum reverse osmosis water andirradiated standard rat chow; all water and bedding was autoclaved. Bodyweights were recorded twice weekly; animals were maintained forapproximately 7 weeks and euthanized by CO₂ inhalation at the end of theexperiment.

The experimental design incorporated two phases. In phase I, rats wererandomized to two groups based on their body weight. Rats in group 1received no tumor cell injection, while rats in group 2 receivedsubcutaneous injection of tumor cells. At three weeks following tumorinjection, rats in group 2 were randomized (based on tumor size andtake-rate—see Table 19) to two groups for Phase II, one of whichincluded two subgroups: 1) non-tumor bearing controls which receivedsaline (the Control Group); 2) tumor bearing controls treated withadjuvant only (the Tumor Group); and 3) tumor bearing subjects (TumorTreated) dosed with vaccine (two subcutaneous injections two weeksapart). All animals were necropsied at 14 days post the second vaccineadministration.

Vaccine

Vaccine was administered by subcutaneous injection at 0.2 ml per dose.

TABLE 19 Vaccine groups Number Tumor Cell Treatment of Types # of GroupDescription Animals (antigen) Formulation Vaccinations Dose/routeControl Negative Control 5 NA 0.63% PBS 2 0.2 ml/SC NonTumor (saline)placebo Tumor Vehicle with 5 QCDC 0.63% PBS 2 0.2 ml/SC (vehicle) noantigen placebo Tumor Homogenized 5 QCDCR and 0.63% PBS 2 0.2 ml/SC(treated) liquid dose - 100 ug placebo vehicle plus inactivated HepG2antigen QC is the abbreviation for QuilA/cholesterol, D for DDA, C forCarbopol ®, R for Bay R1005 ®, PBS for phosphate buffered saline

Vaccine Preparation

Vaccines were prepared using Quil-A (20 ug/dose), Cholesterol (20ug/dose), DDA (10 ug/dose), Carbopol (0.05%) with or without glycolipidBay R1005® (1,000 ug/dose) and antigen. The composition was blendedusing a homogenizer and added in the order of addition as stated above.

Antigen Preparation

HepG2 cells (clone HB-8065) were obtained from the American Type CultureCollection (ATCC, Manassas, Va.). HepG2 is a perpetual cell line whichwas derived from the liver tissue of a 15 year old Caucasian male with awell differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Cells were expanded understandard cell culture conditions, and prepared for injection at aconcentration of 1×10⁷ cells/ml in Matrigel. Each rat was injected with0.5 ml of cell suspension, subcutaneously at the site of the secondteat.

Measurements

Tumor size was measured twice weekly throughout the study by the calipermethod where volume in cm³={[(W(mm)×W(mm)]/2×L(mm)}/1000. Blood wascollected by retro-orbital bleed for serum chemistry and biomarkermeasurements. Animals were lightly anesthetized during the bleedprocedure with CO₂/O₂. Chemistry endpoints were analyzed using a Hitachi917 auto analyzer (Roche, Indianapolis, Ind.). Terminal blood was takenunder CO₂ anesthesia by cardiac puncture. Serum endpoints were evaluatedusing commercial ELISA assays: Alpha-Feto Protein (R & D Systems,Minneapolis Minn.) and Human Albumin (Bethyl Laboratories, MontgomeryTex.). Animals were euthanized by CO₂ inhalation. Tumors were excised,weighed and placed in formalin for histology.

Student's unpaired T-test was used to compare various parameters betweentreated and control group rats. All values are expressed as mean±SD, anda p value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant

Results

Measurements of body weight were corrected by subtracting tumor weight(based on volume data and the assumption that 1 cm³=1 g). Data wereanalyzed two ways: by treatment group, and by tumor or non-tumor bearinganimals. When comparing bodyweights in tumor bearing animals tonon-tumor bearing animals, there was a significant difference betweenthe groups at the terminal time point; there was no difference atbaseline. Even though body weights were not significantly different whencomparing by treatment group probably due to short study duration, therewas an appreciable trend towards decreased body weight in both tumorbearing groups relative to controls and a positive trend towardsrecovery in animals receiving vaccine when comparing the tumor bearinganimals receiving vehicle with no antigen (Table 20). Also, there wasalso a reasonable correlation between percent change in bodyweight overthe duration of the experiment and tumor volume (r²=0.72) or weight(excised) at termination (r²=0.73).

TABLE 20 Change in body weight over time between experimental groups.Shaded areas indicates dates when vaccine was administered. Body weight(g) Tumor Day Control Tumor Treated 0 242.7 ± 11.4 260.0 ± 16.3 245.0 ±12.1 6 263.9 ± 13.5 278.1 ± 17.5 258.6 ± 14.6 9 270.1 ± 14.0 280.6 ±19.2 260.1 ± 15.1 13 280.6 ± 16.2 290.3 ± 20.2 262.0 ± 15.1 16 283.8 ±15.0 289.0 ± 18.5 261.1 ± 15.3 20 292.6 ± 16.1 284.1 ± 17.3 259.2 ± 14.623 299.8 ± 15.6 283.2 ± 17.0 252.7 ± 14.2 27 298.7 ± 14.0 276.1 ± 15.5259.4 ± 14.4 30 307.6 ± 15.9 274.2 ± 3.4  260.9 ± 14.5 34 317.8 ± 16.2262.6 ± 14.6 267.8 ± 15.1 37 318.1 ± 16.6 263.1 ± 15.0 268.4 ± 14.8 41323.4 ± 15.3 264.4 ± 14.7 274.9 ± 15.2 44 328.5 ± 16.6 262.5 ± 14.6278.3 ± 15.1 48 331.2 ± 17.0 263.0 ± 14.1 281.6 ± 15.0 49 330.5 ± 17.1262.6 ± 14.4 281.2 ± 14.3

Tumor Size

Tumor size in control rats was compared to tumor size in vaccine treatedrats over a four week period. Although no statistically significantdifferences were found between compared groups (due to large variationin tumor size), there was a strong trend toward decreasing total tumorvolume (Table 21), and also decreased mean excised tumor weight (Table22) in rats that received the vaccine.

TABLE 21 Change in tumor size between vehicle treated group (Tumor) andgroup treated with vaccine (Tumor treated). Shaded areas indicates dateswhen vaccine was administered. Tumor Size (cm³) Day Tumor Tumor Treated6 4.6 ± 2.1  4.7 ± 2.0 9 4.9 ± 2.0  4.8 ± 1.8 13 4.6 ± 1.8  5.0 ± 2.2 1612.2 ± 2.7  12.3 ± 2.5 20 22.6 ± 3.8  13.4 ± 2.6 23 33.3 ± 4.8  14.1 ±2.8 27 34.5 ± 4.6  13.8 ± 2.8 30 35.6 ± 4.6  13.5 ± 3.4 34 37.7 ± 8.0 14.1 ± 2.9 37 38.6 ± 10.2 13.7 ± 2.3 41 44.5 ± 12.1 12.5 ± 2.1 44 52.9 ±13.9 13.0 ± 2.1 48 61.7 ± 15.1 16.9 ± 2.9

TABLE 22 Difference in tumor weight at necropsy. Experimental GroupTumor Tumor Treated Tumor weight (g) 5.14 ± 6.08 1.24 ± 2.21

Serum Assays

Human alpha-feto protein (AFP) was measured by ELISA at varioustime-points during the study. These data were used in conjunction withbody weight and tumor size data to randomize animals to treatmentgroups. Data from this study and historical data indicate that AFP isonly detectable in tumor bearing animals. Comparison of longitudinal AFPdata in the tumor control and treated groups indicates that AFP wasdecreased in the treated animals following first vaccine injection, andwas much lower in treated rats relative to tumor bearing controls at theend of study; 4.78±3.2 ng/ml in vehicle treated relative to 0.97±2.5ng/ml in vaccine treated rats, respectively. Additionally, AFPdemonstrated a correlation to both tumor volume and excised tumorweight.

Human albumin (hALB) was measured by ELISA at various time-points duringthe study. Data from this study and historical data indicate that hALBis only detectable in tumor bearing animals. Comparison of hALB data inthe tumor control and treated groups indicates that hALB was lower intreated rats relative to tumor bearing controls at the end of study(data not shown). Additionally, hALB, similar to AFP, demonstrated acorrelation to both tumor volume and excised tumor weight (data notshown).

A core serum chemistry panel was assayed as various time-pointsthroughout the study. The panel included: AST, ALT, Cholesterol,alkaline phosphatase, GGT, BUN, glucose, creatinine, total bilirubin,total protein, albumin, globulin and minerals Ca, P, Na, K and Cl.Similar to body weight, data was analyzed two ways: by treatment groupand by tumor or non-tumor bearing animals. The only endpoints wheredifferences were observed were: AST, ALT and cholesterol. By bothcomparisons, there were no significant differences among groups at thebaseline time-point (data not shown). When comparing the chemistryindices in tumor bearing animals to non-tumor bearing animals, there wasa significant difference between the groups at the terminal time pointwith elevations in AST, ALT and cholesterol in the tumor bearing animals(data not shown).

Conclusion

Taken together our data demonstrate that tumor burden was reduced inanimals treated with vaccine prepared against the HepG2 tumor cell line,relative to control tumor-bearing group receiving vehicle.

Example 22 CpG Background

The adjuvants described herein are a potent vaccine adjuvant platformthat can be enhanced by using an ORN/ODN (CpG) to boost the immuneresponse by using the adjuvants as a delivery system for the CpG.

Materials and Methods

Female C57BI/6 mice (n=10 per group) with a body weight of about 18-20 gwere used in the study. They were immunized via intramuscular (IM)injection into the left tibialis anterior muscle with a total volume of50 μl on study days 0, 14 and

Reagent Dose

A dose of the composition comprised, in various combinations, one ormore of the following components:

-   -   Buffer: NaH2PO4.2H20 (229.32 mg/L), NaCl (1168.00 mg/L) and        Na2HPO4 (1144.00 mg/L), dissolved in WFI and sterile filtered        with a 0.1 μm filter.    -   Ovalbumin (OVA—Antigen): 10 μg    -   CpG ODN: 10 μg    -   Cholesterol: 1 μg    -   Quil A: 1 μg    -   DDA: 0.5 μg    -   Carbopol: 0.0375%    -   R1005: 50 μg

Vaccine Preparation

Buffer was placed in a 50 ml flask with stir bar and stirred at aconstant speed throughout all following steps. The components were addedin the following order: Antigen (OVA); CPG ODN; Quil A; cholesterol(drop wise); DDA (drop wise); Carbopol®; and Bay R1005®. The compositionwas stirred at room temperature (approximately 25° C.) for a minimum of30 minutes while protected from light by covering with foil. Thesolution was forced through a 25 G needle into a syringe to break anylarge floating particles to obtain a uniform (cloudy) suspension andtransferred to sterile glass vials for storage.

Sample Collection

The following samples were collected:

-   -   Plasma: 4 weeks after the prime vaccination (1 week after second        booster vaccination)    -   Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) (6 weeks after the prime        vaccination (3 weeks after second booster vaccination)    -   Cytokine secretion in supernatant (4 weeks after the prime        vaccination    -   24-hour supernatant (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF    -   72-hour supernatant (IFN-g    -   Tetramer (4 weeks after the prime vaccination    -   Cytokine producing T cells (6 weeks after the prime vaccination

The results are provided as a relative score that for each adjuvantshowing the effect of the adjuvant. The endpoints are a relative scalebased on the sum of the individual Cytotoxic T—Lymphocyte responses.

Results and Discussion

As presented in Table 23, QCDCR plus OVA gave stronger CTL responsesthan its subcomponents, however overall responses were low (<20%).Combining QCDCR or its subcomponents with CPG significantly improvedOVA-specific CTL responses. Overall QCDCR/CPG plus OVA gave the highestCTL response, however, there was no significant difference in responsesbetween this group and cholesterol/CPG plus OVA (at 25:1 ratio). Culturesupernatants from splenocytes stimulated with OVA (1 mg/ml) were assayedfor cytokines by ELISA. QCDCR alone or its subcomponents gave only veryweak cytokine responses. Combining QCDCR or its subcomponents with CPGenhanced secretion of antigen specific IL-2 and IFN-g (Th1-biasedcytokines). QCDCR and CpG are equal in potency for augmenting cellularimmune responses. Combining the two shows synergy. When sub-componentsof QCDCR were analyzed with CpG, combinations with Quil A gave the bestresponses followed by inclusion of cholesterol with CpG.

TABLE 23 Relative CTL Responses Groups CTL IFN-g Tetramer IL-2 TotalQCDCR-CpG + OVA 18 16 18 18 70 QCDC-CpG + OVA 15 18 17 16 66 Ch + CpG +CR + OVA 12 14 15 17 58 Ch + CpG + DC + OVA 8 17 13 15 53 Ch + CpG +DCR + OVA 16 9 14 13 52 C + CpG + OVA 9 13 16 11 48 DCR + CpG + OVA 1313 12 9 47 CR + CpG + OVA 10 10 11 8 39 DC + CpG + OVA 11 11 8 6 36CpG + OVA 14 8 9 3 34 QCDCR + OVA 7 5 7 14 33 CR + OVA 5 7 4 7 23 QCDC +OVA 3 6 2 10 21 CR + OVA 4 3 5 4 16 DCR + OVA 6 2 6 2 16 DC + OVA 2 4 35 14 OVA 1 1 1 1 4 QC is the abbreviation for QuilA/cholesterol, Ch forcholesterol, D for DDA, C for Carbopol ®, R for Bay R1005 ®

Example 23 Canine Coronavirus (CCV) Scope

A murine model was employed using canine coronavirus (CCV) and novelcombination adjuvants to evaluate the adjuvant performance with thegiven antigenic component.

Animals

Ten CF-1 mice per treatment group were administered 0.2 mLsubcutaneously per animal of each treatment group.

Treatment Groups

The test formulations shown in Table 24 were prepared as 1.0 mL fielddose volumes with the concentrations given below. Only 0.2 mL of thevaccine was administered to each mouse.

TABLE 24 Test Formulations. Adj. Concentration: μg/2 mL (except CCV/Item # Test Formulations Carbopol) dose 1 PBS NA na 2 Antigen PBS 6,0403 AbISCO-100 100 6,040 4 AbISCO-200 100 6,040 5 AbISCO-300 100 6,040 6Quil-A/Cholesterol 100/100 6,040 7 R1005 1000 6,040 8 R1005/Carbopol1000/0.075% 12,079 9 DDA/R1005/Carbopol 50/1000/0.075% 12,079 10 Quil-A/100/100/1000 6,040 Cholesterol/R1005 11 Quil-A/Cholesterol/DDA100/100/50/0.075% 6,040 Carbopol 12 Quil-A/Cholesterol/ 100/100/1000/12,079 R1005/Carbopol 0.075% 13 Quil-A/Cholesterol/DDA/100/100/50/1000/0.075% 12,079 R1005/Carbopol

Vaccine Preparation

Vaccine preparation for the adjuvants of the invention is described inExamples 1-13 above. The concentrations of adjuvant components areprovided in Table 24. Adjuvants were added in the order listed in theTable.

A saline extender was added to a vessel and homogenization wasinitiated. Inactivated CCV was added to a concentration shown in Table24. Quil A was added at the concentration listed in Table 24. Thecholesterol in ethanol solution was then added with continuedhomogenization. The DDA/ethanol solution was then added duringhomogenization. The mixture was microfluidized at 10,000 psi. Carbopolwas then added with mixing and the pH was adjusted to 6.8 to 7.2. BayR1005® glycolipid was then added with mixing. Finally, the compositionwas brought to final volume with the saline extender.

The vaccine for the treatment groups receiving the commerciallyavailable AbISCO products (Isconova, Sweden) was prepared according tothe label instructions. AbISCO products are based on quillaja saponinsand ISCOM technology using highly purified saponins.

Assay Method: The Beta CCV Serum Neutralization

The serum was heat inactivated at 56 C for 30 to 40 minutes. In a cleansterile plate, serial dilutions of each sera (undiluted, 2, 4, 8 . . . )was performed by passing 120 μl into 120 μl diluent. At least tworeplicate wells/dilution were used. A dilution of 1:16 was usedinitially, if necessary. A working challenge stock was prepared bydiluting live CCV to a level containing about 240 virus particles in 120μl. Then, 120 μl of each serum dilution was combined with 120 μl ofvirus solution for a total of 240 μl. The solution was mixed and held atroom temperature (approximately 25°) for 30 to 60 minutes to allow forneutralization. Then 120 μl of each serial was transferred onto waitingnaked monolayers of NLFK cells planted 7 to 12 days earlier. CPE wasassessed 4 to 6 days later. The back titration confirmed that 50 to 316virus particles hit each monolayer.

Results

TABLE 25 Serum Neutralization Serum Treatment Neutralizing Group TitersSaline 2 Antigen only 64 AbISCO-100 256 AbISCO-200 23 AbISCO-300 11Quil-A/ 315 Cholesterol R 512 RC 11 DRC 630 QCR 1024 QCDC 630 QCRC 724QCDRC 1448

Summary

The combined effects of the adjuvants formulated with CCV taking intoaccount the chemical properties of each component have providedexcellent properties for a vaccine adjuvant.

The serological results of the study are shown in Table 25. Higher serumneutralizing antibody titers generally are associated with betterprotection afforded by the vaccines. Several of the adjuvantformulations of the invention produced much higher titers than thecommercial adjuvanted products, even though these formulations had asimilar amount of CCV antigen added. The QCDC, QCR, DRC, QCRC, and QCDRCformulations were especially effective in inducing a good immuneresponse in the mice.

Example 24 Bovine Rotavirus Antigen Scope

A murine model was employed using Bovine Rotavirus and combinationadjuvants of the invention to evaluate the adjuvant performance with thegiven antigenic component.

Animals

Ten CF-1 mice per treatment group were administered 0.2 mLsubcutaneously per animal for each treatment group.

Treatment Groups

The test formulations shown in Table 26 were prepared as 2.0 mL fielddose volumes with the concentrations given below. Only 0.2 mL of thevaccine was administered to each animal.

TABLE 26 Test Formulations Adj. concentration: Item μg/2 mL (exceptRotavirus # Test Formulations Carbopol) B223/dose 1 Phosphate buffer PBSNA 2 Antigen PBS 6.09 μg 3 AbISCO-100 100 6.09 μg 4 AbISCO-200 100 6.09μg 5 AbISCO-300 100 6.09 μg 6 Quil-A/Cholesterol 100/100 6.09 μg 7Quil-A/Cholesterol/DDA 100/100/50/0.075% 6.09 μg Carbopol 8 R1005 10006.09 μg 9 Quil-A/Cholesterol/R1005 100/100/1000 6.09 μg 10Quil-A/Cholesterol/DDA/ 100/100/50/1000/ 6.09 μg R1005/Carbopol 0.075%11 Quil-A/Cholesterol/DDA/ 100/100/50/ 12.18 μg  Carbopol 0.075% 12Quil- 100/100/0.075%/ 12.18 μg  A/Cholesterol/Carbopol/R1005 1000 13Quil-A/Cholesterol/DDA/ 100/100/50/1000/ 12.18 μg  R1005/Carbopol 0.075%14 DDA/R1005/Carbopol 50/1000/0.075% 12.18 μg  15 R1005/Carbopol1000/0.075% 12.18 μg 

Vaccine Preparation

Vaccine preparation for the adjuvants of the invention is described inExamples 1-13 above. The concentrations of adjuvant components areprovided in Table 26. Adjuvants were added in the order listed in theTable.

A saline extender was added to a vessel and homogenization wasinitiated. Inactivated Bovine Rotavirus was added to a concentrationshown in Table 26. Quil A was added at the concentration listed in Table26. The cholesterol/ethanol solution was then added with continuedhomogenization. The DDA/ethanol solution was then added duringhomogenization. The mixture was microfluidized at 10,000 psi. Carbopol®was then added with mixing and the pH was adjusted to 6.8 to 7.2. BayR1005® glycolipid was then added with mixing. Finally, the compositionwas brought to final volume with the saline extender.

The vaccine for the treatment groups receiving the commerciallyavailable AbISCO products (Isconova, Sweden) was prepared according tothe label instructions. AbISCO products are based on quillaja saponinsand ISCOM technology using highly purified saponins.

Results

TABLE 27 Serum Neutralization Titers Serum Test NeutralizingFormulations Titers (SN) Saline ≦3 Antigen only 23 AbISCO-100 16AbISCO-200 16 AbISCO-300 14 Quil-A/ 14 Cholesterol QCDC 16 R 10 QCR 16QCDCR 16 QCDC 3 QCCR 5 QCDCR 39 DRC 20 RC 3 QC is the abbreviation forQuilA/cholesterol, D for DDA, C for Carbopol ®, R for Bay R1005 ®

The combined effects of the adjuvants formulated with Bovine Rotavirusand taking into account the chemical properties of each component haveprovided excellent properties for a vaccine adjuvant (see Table 27).

While several of the adjuvant formulations provided similar levels ofserum neutralizing antibody titers, the QCDCR adjuvant provided thehighest level.

Example 25 Canine Influenza Virus Scope/Study Design

A canine model was employed using canine influenza virus (CIV) and novelcombination adjuvants to evaluate the adjuvant performance with thegiven antigenic component.

This study had a randomized complete block design. (see Table 28)Animals were sorted by date of birth to form blocks of size 5. Within ablock animals were randomly assigned to treatments. Animals in the sameblock were randomly assigned to pens (cages) located near each other.Animals were in good health with no history of hypersensitivity tocommercially available vaccines. Animals had not received vaccinesagainst CIV.

TABLE 28 Study Design Trmt # of Group Animals Treatment Day Dose RouteT01 8-10 Adjuvant Placebo 0 1 mL SQ (neg control) T02 8-10 Field Safetystudy 0 1 mL SQ formulation (pos control) T03 8-10 QCDC high dose 0 1 mLSQ T04 8-10 QCDC medium 0 1 mL SQ dose T05 8-10 QCDC low dose 0 1 mL SQQC is the abbreviation for QuilA/cholesterol, D for DDA, C forCarbopol ®

TABLE 29 Vaccine Composition Adjuvant placebo, negative control T01Formulation Quil A - cholesterol - DDA - carbopol (20/20/10/.075) T02Generic Name CIV field safety serial, positive control FormulationIowa-05 strain of influenza (H3N8) @ 760 HA, combined with 5% RehydragelLV T03 Generic Name CIV + high dose QCDC Formulation Iowa-05 strain ofinfluenza (H3N8) @ 760 HA, combined with Quil A - cholesterol - DDA -carbopol (20/20/10/.075) T04 Generic Name CIV + medium dose QCDCFormulation Iowa-05 strain of influenza (H3N8) @ 760 HA, combined withQuil A - cholesterol - DDA - carbopol (10/10/10/.075) T05 Generic NameCIV + low dose QCDC Formulation Iowa-05 strain of influenza (H3N8) @ 760HA, combined with Quil A - cholesterol - DDA - carbopol (5/5/10/.075)

Vaccine Preparation

Vaccine preparation for the adjuvants of the invention is described inExamples 1-13 above. The concentrations of adjuvant components areprovided in Table 29. Adjuvants were added in the order listed in theTable.

A saline extender was added to a vessel and homogenization wasinitiated. Inactivated canine influenza virus was added to aconcentration shown in Table 29. Quil A was added at the concentrationlisted in Table 29. The cholesterol/ethanol solution was then added withcontinued homogenization. The DDA/ethanol solution was then added duringhomogenization. The mixture was microfluidized at 10,000 psi. Carbopolwas then added with mixing and the pH was adjusted to 6.8 to 7.2.Finally, the composition was brought to final volume with the salineextender.

Testing

Serology was assessed by using hemeagglutination inhibition (HAI) assayby Standard Assay Method per the USDA

Results/Summary

Presented in Table 30 are THE serological results on days 42 and 180 ofthe HAI Geo. mean titers.

TABLE 30 HAI Titers HAI Geo. HAI Geo. Mean Day Mean Day Treatment 42 180T01 (placebo) 8 8 T02 (pos ctl., 172 32 alum) T03 (low dose) 65 41 T04(med. dose) 65 32 T05 (high dose) 216 69

The combined effects of the adjuvants formulated with influenza virusand taking into account the chemical properties of each component haveprovided excellent properties for a vaccine adjuvant.

Higher antibody titers generally are associated with better protectionof vaccines. Generally, both the aluminum adjuvant (T02) and theadjuvants of the invention (T03, T04, and T05) caused a rise in HAItiters but the response caused by the adjuvants of the invention wassuperior with higher titers at day 180 in the high dose group (T05). Thetiters for the low- and medium-doses of the adjuvants of the inventionwere equivalent to those of the traditional aluminum-containing vaccinefor influenza. Additionally, because the adjuvants of the inventionprovide a T helper 1 immune response whereas aluminum does not, theduration of immunity is expected to be longer with a faster recallmechanism.

1. An adjuvant formulation comprising a triterpenoid saponin, a sterol,a quaternary ammonium compound, and a polymer.
 2. The adjuvantformulation of claim 1, wherein the saponin is present in an amount ofabout 1 μg to about 5,000 μg per dose, the sterol is present in anamount of about 1 μg to about 5,000 μg per dose, the quaternary ammoniumcompound is present in an amount of about 1 μg to about 5,000 μg perdose, and the polymer is present in an amount of about 0.0001% v/v toabout 75% v/v.
 3. The adjuvant formulation of claim 1, wherein thesaponin is Quil A or a purified fraction thereof, the sterol ischolesterol, the quaternary ammonium compound is DDA, and the polymer ispolyacrylic acid.
 4. The adjuvant formulation of claim 1, furthercomprising a glycolipid.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The adjuvant formulation ofclaim 4, wherein the glycolipid isN-(2-deoxy-2-L-leucylamino-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-octadecyldodecanamideacetate.
 7. The adjuvant formulation of claim 4, wherein the glycolipidis present in an amount of about 0.01 mg to about 10 mg per dose.
 8. Theadjuvant formulation of claim 1, further comprising an oil. 9-25.(canceled)
 26. The adjuvant formulation of claim 1, further comprisingan ORN/ODN.
 27. The adjuvant formulation of claim 26, wherein theORN/ODN is CpG.
 28. A vaccine composition comprising the adjuvantformulation of any one of claims 1-4, 6-8, and a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an antigen component.
 29. (canceled)
 30. A vaccinecomposition of claim 28, wherein the antigen component is selected from:a) feline leukemia virus; b) a protozoan antigen selected from (1) oneor more recombinantly expressed proteins, (2) one or more proteins orother macromolecules isolated from said protozoan by conventional means,and (3) whole cell extracts or preparations from said protozoan; c)Escherichia coli J-5 strain bacterin, d) BVDV e) M. hyopneumonia; g) acancer antigen; h) CCV; i) Bovine rotavirus; or j) CIV. 31-34.(canceled)